Love's Philosophy Poem

For this week’s wedding reading, we have Love’s Philosophy, a poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley. This one is for those people who love a hidden meaning or at least one that isn’t immediately obvious. First published in 1819, this poem is considered to be written in the Romantic Period. In Love’s Philosophy, the poet uses a conceit (an elaborate metaphor) throughout the whole poem to explain that because nature is full of ‘togetherness’ like how the river leads to the ocean, then physical intimacy between people is simply following the laws of nature. As such, the speaker and the addressee should form their own physical union. You might at first think this is a romantic love poem but really it’s a lot more seductive than first glance. If this is the wedding reading for you, don’t forget to download a free PDF version of this reading. 

Love's Philosophy

by Percy Bysshe Shelley

The fountains mingle with the river
And the rivers with the ocean,
The winds of heaven mix for ever
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single;
All things by a law divine
In one spirit meet and mingle.
Why not I with thine?—

See the mountains kiss high heaven
And the waves clasp one another;
No sister-flower would be forgiven
If it disdained its brother;
And the sunlight clasps the earth
And the moonbeams kiss the sea:
What is all this sweet work worth
If thou kiss not me?

Do you like Percy Bysshe Shelley’s Love’s Philosophy poem? Looking for some more wedding poems? Here are 16 wedding poems to help you get in the mood for love. Are you writing a wedding speech? Then, you should consider having a joint wedding speech. Whether you’re nervous to speak on your own or want to make sure your closest women have their voices heard on your wedding day, here’s our advice on how to write a joint wedding speech.