The heart asks pleasure first,
And then, excuse from pain;
And then, those little anodynes
That deaden suffering;
And then, to go to sleep;
And then, if it should be
The will of its Inquisitor,
The liberty to die.
The heart asks pleasure first
Summary
This poem explores the desires and progression of the human heart through a series of poetic requests. Initially, the heart seeks pleasure and happiness, followed by a request to avoid pain. As pain is inevitable, it then asks for small remedies to alleviate suffering. Subsequently, the heart longs for rest and sleep, which may symbolize a peaceful state or escape from life's challenges. Ultimately, if it aligns with a higher power or fate, the heart seeks the freedom to die, suggesting a contemplative take on life, death, and liberation from enduring hardships. These stages reflect the human condition's pursuit of ease, relief, and eventual release.Read Online
