Question:
What do you think this poem is about?
I, having loved ever since I was a child a few things, never having
wavered
In these affections; never through shyness in the houses of the
rich or in the presence of clergymen having denied these
loves;
Never when worked upon by cynics like chiropractors having
grunted or clicked a vertebra to the discredit of those loves;
Never when anxious to land a job having diminished them by a
conniving smile; or when befuddled by drink
Jeered at them through heartache or lazily fondled the fingers of
their alert enemies; declare
That I shall love you always.
No matter what party is in power;
No matter what temporarily expedient combination of allied
interests wins the war;
Shall love you always.
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
This author is speaking of their love of their country and their people and the courage required to remain loyal to that love. This is not clear until the last part of the poem where they say "I shall love you always. No matter what party is in power..." This line could only mean a love of their country or the people of their country, separate from any particular political or religious position. It seems as if the author started off writing of a lifelong love of "a few things" but the focus narrowed to one love by the end of the piece.
The strength of moral character, "never having wavered", that is required to hold true to a love and loyalty to their people and/or their country is the message. Very interesting imagery, in the first part of the poem, for the temptations and snares against which a person must resist to remain steadfast in their love. This is a great poem and I thank you for bringing it to us.