This poem, “To Love Alphabetically, Should Be Alphabetically Loving,” explores the complex and multifaceted nature of love, weaving together themes of adoration, devotion, vulnerability, and uncertainty. The speaker initiates a conversational tone, addressing a beloved whose presence evokes feelings of brightness and adoration, mirroring the speaker’s own cheerful and loving disposition. This reciprocal affection forms the foundation of their connection, a bond described as both “wise” and “devoting,” suggesting a mature and committed relationship. However, a tension arises as the speaker acknowledges the perceived fictitiousness of their love by some, perhaps alluding to external pressures or doubts cast upon their relationship. This introduces an element of fragility and the awareness of societal judgment, a theme further developed through the reference to past and present generations clinging to love “with no hesitation.” This implies a backdrop of romantic ideals and expectations against which the speaker’s own experience is measured.
The nascent nature of their love is emphasized through the metaphor of ignition, implying that their journey is just beginning, full of potential and anticipation for “better and brighter days” at a future juncture. This imagery of a spark igniting into a flame creates a sense of hopeful anticipation and progression, contrasting with the immediate uncertainty that follows. The poem takes a dramatic turn as the speaker hints at a potential ending, a looming separation despite the romantic anticipation established earlier. The phrase “dress to kill” suggests a final, significant encounter where appearances matter, yet the speaker expresses the heartbreaking realization of losing their beloved “cordially and finally at last.” This juxtaposition of formality (“cordially”) with finality (“at last”) underscores the complex emotions at play – a bittersweet acceptance of the inevitable parting.
The speaker’s vulnerability is further revealed as they confront the discrepancy between their perceived persona and their true emotional state. They acknowledge being seen as a “good-looking man” with assumed wealth (“too much money against the odds but none”), a facade that masks a deeper yearning for genuine connection. This revelation exposes the superficiality of external judgments and emphasizes the speaker’s inner emptiness despite outward appearances. The image of an “open oven” symbolizes their readiness to be truly known and understood, an invitation for the beloved to delve beneath the surface and ask “pure and sensitive questions.” This desire for intimacy clashes with a sense of helplessness, as the speaker confesses a lack of “resolutions” despite possessing “hidden and above-mentioned solutions.” This paradox suggests an internal struggle, perhaps an inability to articulate or act upon the necessary steps to salvage the relationship.
The speaker’s yearning for unity becomes more pronounced as they express a fervent wish to avoid “terrible trouble” that hinders their coming together. This “trouble” could refer to external obstacles or internal conflicts preventing them from bridging the gap. The setting of Valentine’s Day adds another layer of significance, highlighting the societal pressure for romantic fulfillment and the poignancy of the speaker’s potential loss. The simple act of sharing water instead of champagne signifies a shift from celebratory expectations to a more grounded and introspective moment, reinforcing the theme of vulnerability. The introduction of the xylophone introduces a melodic element, a gesture of offering love songs as a form of emotional expression and perhaps a final attempt at connection. The xylophone, with its delicate and resonant tones, further emphasizes the fragility and tenderness of the situation.
The closing lines offer a blend of practicality and emotional guidance. The request to “call don’t yell” signifies a desire for calm and reasoned communication, a plea for understanding and respect amidst the emotional turmoil. The advice to be “zealous” in the coming year suggests the importance of passionate engagement with life, even in the face of heartbreak. This final message carries a sense of resilience and forward momentum, encouraging the beloved, and perhaps the speaker themselves, to embrace life’s experiences with fervor and dedication.
In essence, “To Love Alphabetically, Should Be Alphabetically Loving” is a poignant exploration of love’s complexities, encompassing the initial exhilaration of affection, the weight of external pressures, the vulnerability of self-revelation, and the bittersweet acceptance of loss. The poem’s unique structure and imagery, from the alphabetical motif to the contrasting symbols of the open oven and the xylophone, create a rich tapestry of emotions, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of the fragility and enduring power of love in all its forms. The final message of zeal suggests a path forward, an encouragement to persevere and embrace life’s experiences with passion and determination, even in the face of heartache and uncertainty. The poem’s strength lies in its honesty and emotional depth, resonating with anyone who has experienced the joys and sorrows of love’s unpredictable journey.
