"An Early Love" remembers young love through the image of a girl’s golden hair. The speaker begins by praising the power of “sweet young blood,” saying its joy and light are so strong that even dying children dance from morning to night. He then recalls small acts of devotion: twisting her hair into rings and bangles, feeling its warmth around his fist, and imagining a crown for her whose jewels would be richer than gold. The closing comparison to Jason and the Golden Fleece turns her hair into a treasure beyond myth. The mood is tender, playful, and dreamy—full of delight in touch and closeness, but also slightly distant, as if the speaker is looking back at a love that once felt simple and golden. Her hair becomes both toy and crown, a private treasure made from closeness rather than wealth.
An Early Love — Summary
Ah, sweet young blood, that makes the heart So full of joy, and light, That dying children dance with it From early morn till night. My dreams were blossoms, hers the fruit, She was my dearest care; With gentle hand, and for it, I Made playthings of her hair. I made my fingers rings of gold, And bangles for my wrist; You should have felt the soft, warm thing I made to glove my fist. And she should have a crown, I swore, With only gold enough To keep together stones more rich Than that fine metal stuff. Her golden hair gave me more joy Than Jason's heart could hold, When all his men cried out--Ah, look! He has the Fleece of Gold!