Claude McKay’s “Flower of Love” turns an intimate moment into something close to worship. The speaker is so overcome by his lover’s presence that he needs no wine or drugs—her breath alone intoxicates him. He describes her body, especially her breast, as an open flower with saffron petals and a dewy yellow center, calling up the warmth and lushness of his beloved South. Desire and reverence merge: he calls her a sanctuary and gives himself over completely. Their lovemaking feels both physical and spiritual. The mood is hushed, warm, and intensely sensuous. By the end, the night itself seems deep and sweet, and music lulls their “burning brain” as they lie together “passionate and mute.” It is a brief, dreamlike celebration of love as overpowering desire and peaceful union.
Flower of Love — Summary
The perfume of your body dulls my sense. I want nor wine nor weed; your breath alone Suffices. In this moment rare and tense I worship at your breast. The flower is blown, The saffron petals tempt my amorous mouth, The yellow heart is radiant now with dew Soft-scented, redolent of my loved South; O flower of love! I give myself to you. Uncovered on your couch of figured green, Here let us linger indivisible. The portals of your sanctuary unseen Receive my offering, yielding unto me. Oh, with our love the night is warm and deep! The air is sweet, my flower, and sweet the flute Whose music lulls our burning brain to sleep, While we lie loving, passionate and mute.