John Clare

First Love

I ne'er was struck before that hour
With love so sudden and so sweet.
Her face it bloomed like a sweet flower 
And stole my heart away complete. 
 
My face turned pale, a deadly pale.
My legs refused to walk away,
And when she looked what could I ail
My life and all seemed turned to clay. 
 
And then my blood rushed to my face 
And took my eyesight quite away.
The trees and bushes round the place 
Seemed midnight at noonday.
 
I could not see a single thing,
Words from my eyes did start.
They spoke as chords do from the string,
And blood burnt round my heart. 
 
Are flowers the winter's choice
Is love's bed always snow
She seemed to hear my silent voice 
Not love appeals to know.
 
I never saw so sweet a face
As that I stood before.
My heart has left its dwelling place
And can return no more.

Love, romance and relationship quotes for your soul

• 'The first duty of love is to listen.'
  ~ Paul Tillich
• 'Bitterness imprisons life; love releases it. Bitterness paralyzes life; love empowers it. Bitterness sours life; love sweetens it. Bitterness sickens life; love heals it. Bitterness blinds life; love anoints its eyes.'
  ~ Harry Emerson Fosdick
• 'True love cannot be found where it truly does not exist,
  Nor can it be hidden where it truly does.'
  ~ Anonymous