# Her First Sorrow explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ameen Rihani.

## What happens

A woman reflects on the betrayal of a lover who swore to share her sorrow and joy but left to deceive another, leaving her to question why she should mourn or care.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Loss

The poem explores the pain of a broken promise and the loss of a lover who has moved on to deceive another.

### Suffering and Resilience

The speaker endures betrayal and questions her own grief, ultimately showing resilience by refusing to care.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The speaker, a woman betrayed by her lover, expressing sorrow and defiance.

## Key lines

> ’T is but a score of hours when he didst swear My sorrow and my joy to share, Despite the fates, fore’er; But now he’s gone to cash again his lie; Others his shame with me will wear, Why should I die?

Only twenty hours ago he swore to share my sorrow and joy forever, but now he has left to repeat his deceit; others will share his shame with me, so why should I die?

_The speaker contrasts the lover's recent vow with his immediate betrayal._

> He did not kiss me when he said good-bye; I let him go, not asking why, Nor do I for him sigh; He’s gone another virgin breast to tear, He’s gone on other lips to die, Why should I care?

He didn't kiss me goodbye; I let him leave without question, and I don't long for him. He has gone to wound another woman and to perish on other lips, so why should I care?

_The speaker asserts her indifference to the lover's departure and his new conquest._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_2_se/chapters/her-first-sorrow
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_2_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_2_se/chapters