Sonnet 22 - When our two souls stand up erect and strong

Portrait of Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Elizabeth Barrett Browning 1806–1861

XXII

When our two souls stand up erect and strong, Face to face, silent, drawing nigh and nigher, Until the lengthening wings break into fire At either curved point,—what bitter wrong Can the earth do to us, that we should not long Be here contented? Think. In mounting higher, The angels would press on us and aspire To drop some golden orb of perfect song Into our deep, dear silence. Let us stay Rather on earth, Beloved,—where the unfit Contrarious moods of men recoil away And isolate pure spirits, and permit A place to stand and love in for a day, With darkness and the death-hour rounding it.

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  1. Lisa Delaney United States

    Wasn't this the poem used during the wedding ceremony in Eric Siegel's Love Story?

  2. Pat United States

    Yes, a portion of this poem was used in Love Story but is attributed incorrectly. Regards, Pat

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