What is the meaning of this poem? i do not love thee caroline elizabeth sarah norton, 1808 - 1877 . i do not love thee! —no! i do not love thee! and yet when thou art absent i am sad; and envy even the bright blue sky above thee, whose quiet stars may see thee and be glad. i do not love thee! —yet, i know not why, whate’er thou dost seems still well done, to me: and often in my solitude i sigh that those i do love are not more like thee! i do not love thee! —yet, when thou art gone, i hate the sound (though those who speak be dear) which breaks the lingering echo of the tone thy voice of music leaves upon my ear. i do not love thee! —yet thy speaking eyes, with their deep, bright, and most expressive blue, between me and the midnight heaven arise, oftener than any eyes i ever knew. i know i do not love thee! yet, alas! others will scarcely trust my candid heart; and oft i catch them smiling as they pass, because they see me gazing where thou art.