Ballata 5 by guido cavalcanti. Poetry Explorer 2022-12-18

Ballata 5, also known as "Donna mi priegha," is a poem written by the Italian poet Guido Cavalcanti in the 13th century. It is a passionate and deeply personal expression of love and desire, and is considered one of Cavalcanti's greatest works.

In the poem, Cavalcanti addresses a woman he calls "Donna," asking her to listen to his words and to understand the depth of his feelings for her. He tells her that he cannot live without her, and that she has captured his heart and soul. He describes her as being like a bright star in the sky, shining with beauty and radiance.

Despite the intensity of his emotions, Cavalcanti also reveals a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty in the poem. He admits that he is afraid to express his love openly, and that he is uncertain of how she will react to his words. This adds a layer of complexity to the poem, as the reader is left to wonder whether Donna will return Cavalcanti's feelings, or whether he will be left alone to suffer in his love for her.

Overall, Ballata 5 is a powerful and poignant expression of love and desire, and is a testament to Cavalcanti's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the complexities and nuances of human emotion. It remains a beloved and widely-studied work of literature to this day, and is a testament to the enduring power of love.