A poem comparing romantic love with the love between friends. The poem鈥檚 content, ideas, language and structure are explored. Comparisons and alternative interpretations are also considered.
Part of English LiteraturePoems
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Love is like the wild rose-briar,Friendship like the holly-tree 鈥The holly is dark when the rose-briar bloomsBut which will bloom most constantly?
The wild rose-briar is sweet in spring,Its summer blossoms scent the air;Yet wait till winter comes againAnd who will call the wild-briar fair?
Then scorn the silly rose-wreath nowAnd deck thee with the holly鈥檚 sheen,That when December blights thy browHe still may leave thy garland green.
Note: this poem is included for reference purposes, please refer to your anthology for the definitive version.