A Sense of Comfort and Refuge
The poem starts by describing the narrator's home as being "a place of grace," a metaphor that suggests peace, safety, and divine grace. This location serves as a secure refuge where the narrator may seek comfort from the storms of life. The use of the word "home" also carries a sense of coziness and familiarity.
Love's Gentle, Comforting Touch
Kenyon compares love to "the touch of your hands, the scent of your hair," evoking a sense of closeness, warmth, and sensuality. The speaker emphasizes the profound impact love may have by making an observation of the physical realm.
Spiritual Elevation and Unity of Souls
The poem uses phrases such as "where my heart finds its home," "a place of rest," and "a place where I may grow" to further explore the spiritual dimension of love. Love, in Kenyon's opinion, has the ability to elevate the human spirit, bringing a sense of contentment, unity, and development.
Acceptance Unconditionally and the Absence of Judgment
The speaker mentions how the beloved accepts them "without judgment," regardless of their flaws. The poem explores a relationship characterized by unconditional love, support, and comprehension, where one may genuinely be themselves.
Enduring and Ever-Present Love
The poem ends on a note of everlasting commitment, emphasizing that love exists "not only in the present but also in the future." The strength of the emotional connection between the speaker and the object of their affection is reinforced by the use of the word "constant," which implies unwavering faithfulness.
The piece "Came to Me" by Jane Kenyon is a moving tribute to the power and beauty of true love. Kenyon successfully communicates the sentiments of finding comfort, spiritual elevation, and unconditional acceptance through her use of evocative metaphors and imagery. This poetry exalts the life-giving, unifying characteristics of love and inspires people to seek those kinds of relationships in their own lives.