He that loves a rosy cheek,
Or a coral lip admires,
Or from star-like eyes doth seek
Fuel to maintain his fires:
As old Time makes these decay,
So his flames must waste away.
But a smooth and steadfast mind,
Gentle thoughts and calm desires,
Hearts with equal love combined,
Kindle never-dying fires,
Where these are not, I despise
Lovely cheeks or lips or eyes.
I am busy working to bring Thomas Carew's "Lack of Equal Love Despised" to life through some unique musical arrangements and will have a full analysis of the poem here for you later.
In the meantime, I invite you to explore the poem's themes, structure, and meaning. You can also check out the gallery for other musical arrangements or learn more about Thomas Carew's life and contributions to literature.
Check back soon to experience how "Lack of Equal Love Despised" transforms when verse meets melody—a unique journey that makes poetry accessible, engaging, and profoundly moving in new ways.