February 17, 2007
Whoever said “Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be” must have been nuts.
It was in fact English poet Robert Browning who is credited with writing that verse in his poem “Rabbi Ben Ezra” in the mid-1800’s. Keep in mind that in Browning’s 19th century England, growing old probably meant reaching age 55.
History tells us that he was indeed “nuts” all right, but it was about fellow poet Elizabeth Barrett.
This writer will forgive Browning for his “the best is yet to be” remark.
He had most likely never heard of osteoarthritis, acid reflux, restless legs, irritable bowel syndrome, and ED, all common medical vernacular used to describe modern conditions afflicting vast numbers of Baby Boomers as they age.
Yes, the best is sure yet to be all right.
Human beings in Browning’s era had never heard of such ailments and often died long before the infirmities of old age took hold. I guess the fact that we live longer these days is far better than their circumstances, and we well know the alternative.
Heartsick Robert Browning was so smitten with the love of his life that aging was the last thing on his mind anyway.
Robert met Elizabeth in 1845, and they married in 1846 against her father’s will. They had a son they appropriately nicknamed “Pen”.
Long before they were introduced, however, these two wrote letters and poetry to one other. After they finally met, they corresponded even more. Over time, their work became some of the most celebrated poetry in the English language, and the love story of Browning and Barrett one of the most fascinating as well.
For those who may have forgotten high school English lit, here in a nutshell is their story.
Elizabeth was delicate and was treated as an invalid by her parents. Therefore, since writing was all she was able to do, she chose poetry. As she became renowned and published, Browning took notice and wrote to her, “I love your verses with all my heart Miss Barrett.”
Elizabeth was rapturous after reading Browning’s lengthy letter according to one of her friends. Elizabeth wrote to that friend commenting Robert’s letter “threw me into ecstasies.”
Now that is romantic!
These letters and more are documented in a collection of the Barrett-Browning correspondence in “Love Letters: An Anthology of Passion” by Michelle Lovric. Take a look at it sometime.
For you non-romantics, consider this. I recently read a story about web searches for Valentine’s Day. Guess what topped the list?
The poetry of classic romantic writers.
Although there is an abundance of sappy Valentine poetry by bloggers out there in cyberworld, many people apparently still long for the classics.
My high school English teacher Miss Criswell would be proud.
But back to Robert and Elizabeth.
They married, and Browning immediately whisked Elizabeth away to warmer climates in Italy where her health and spirits improved. There they raised their son and wrote love letters until they died. Elizabeth died first in 1861. Browning and Pen returned soon thereafter to England where Browning remained until his death in 1889.
Since Valentine’s Day is upon us (now a month-long floral and greeting card event) I ask you romantics this question.
Are you feeling so sappy you might as well be a maple tree?
If so, read the poetry of Barrett and Browning. Their words of love, dripping with passion, have never died.
Or if you prefer, consider the words of Plato who said, “At the touch of Love, every one becomes a poet.”
I would not necessarily recommend becoming a poet, however. Doesn’t pay too well.
Here’s another idea instead. You could borrow from the works of internet poets instead of writing your own. For instance, try this Valentine poem template found on the web: “Oh, (insert lover’s name here) thou art so gorgeous; your eyes (insert color here) are like that of a temptress.”
Or maybe not. Leave the syrupy stuff to the Brownings and enjoy the month.
