Love Poems Collection is inspired by two remarkable female poets who lived in different time periods and cultural contexts : Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806 – 1861) and Zhuo Wenjun ( China, Han Dynasty 206 B.C.-A.D. 25).
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's renowned collection, "Sonnets from the Portuguese," is the evidence of her deep affection to her husband, Robert Browning. Her sonnets eloquently convey the range of emotions associated with love, including longing, devotion, and vulnerability. Here is a quote from it:
Similarly, Zhuo Wenjun, a Chinese poet from the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 25), is celebrated for her love poems expressing her affection for her beloved, Sima Xiangru. Her poetry captures the nuances of love, from its initial stages to its complexities.
Both poets challenge societal expectations and norms, particularly regarding women's roles and their agency in matters of love and relationships. Elizabeth Barrett Browning defied her family's disapproval and eloped with Robert Browning, demonstrating her independence and refusal to conform to societal expectations.
Zhuo Wenjun, too, broke with convention by openly pursuing Sima Xiangru, a poet from a higher social class. Her determination to be with him despite societal barriers speaks to her bravery and willingness to challenge the status quo.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Zhuo Wenjun continue to inspire and empower female poets around the world. Their works have transcended time and cultural boundaries, touching the hearts of readers across generations. Through their poetry, they remind us that love is a universal human experience and that our voices, as women, deserve to be heard and celebrated.
