For me, love’s like the wind, unseen, unknown.
I see the trees are bending where it’s been,
I know that it leaves wreckage where it’s blown
I really don’t know what “I love you” means.
I think it means, “Don’t leave me here alone.”
Neil Gaiman
About the author
Neil Gaiman (born 1960) is an award-winning British author known for his imaginative and thought-provoking works across various genres, including fantasy, science fiction, and horror. He has written numerous novels, short stories, graphic novels, and screenplays that have captured the hearts and minds of readers worldwide. Some of Gaiman’s most celebrated works include “American Gods,” “Coraline,” “The Sandman” comic series, and “Good Omens” (co-written with Terry Pratchett). Gaiman’s writing style blends dark humor, mythology, and profound insights into the human condition.
The meaning of the quote
In this excerpt from “Dark Sonnet,” Gaiman explores the enigmatic and intangible nature of love. He compares love to the unseen wind, emphasizing its invisible yet powerful presence. The bending trees and the wreckage left behind symbolize love’s impact on our lives, shaping and sometimes damaging us in ways we cannot always comprehend.
Gaiman’s words invite us to ponder the true meaning behind the phrase “I love you.” He suggests that these words often uttered with great significance, may stem from a place of fear and loneliness. “I love you” becomes a plea not to be abandoned, a desperate attempt to hold onto another person in the face of life’s uncertainties.
This quote encourages us to delve deeper into our own understanding of love and the motivations behind our expressions of affection. It prompts us to question whether we truly grasp the essence of love or if we use it as a means to fill a void within ourselves. Gaiman’s words remind us to cultivate self-awareness and emotional honesty in our relationships.
By acknowledging the vulnerabilities of love, we can approach it with greater authenticity. We can learn to love not out of fear or desperation but from genuine connection and understanding.
Resources
- Neil Gaiman (Website)
- Wedding thoughts: All I know about love (Journal article)
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