Love Comes Quietly
by Robert Creeley
22 years ago, when I was living in the Upper East Side, I first came upon a book of love poems by Robert Creeley at a rummage sale on First and 65th in New York. I recognized in this poem the feeling I had not yet named, the feeling of love for my boyfriend. I shared the poem with him boldly one evening, and we affirmed our love for one another for the first time.
Sadly, those feelings waned over our 20 year marriage, and our divorce is nearly final. However, I’ve been speaking the words again. And quietly, (happily) love has come again, in the old ways.
Angela McConnell, Executive Director
Montalvo Arts Center
Love Comes Quietly
Love comes quietly,
finally, drops
about me, on me,
in the old ways.
What did I know
thinking myself
able to go
alone all the way.
from For Love: Poems 1950-1960, Robert Creeley
Santa Clara County Poet Laureate Blog 