Farewell! thou art too dear for my possessing

Farewell! thou art too dear for my possessing

The line "Farewell! thou art too dear for my possessing" is from William Shakespeare's Sonnet 87. In this sonnet, the speaker is bidding farewell to someone or something that is too precious for them to keep. The speaker acknowledges that they are not worthy of possessing this person or thing, and so they must say goodbye.

This line captures the bittersweet feeling of letting go of something that is beloved but ultimately unattainable. The speaker recognizes the value of what they are saying goodbye to, but also understands that it is not meant to be theirs. This sense of resignation and acceptance is a common theme in Shakespeare's sonnets, where love and loss are often intertwined.

The phrase "too dear for my possessing" suggests that the speaker feels unworthy of holding onto this person or thing. It could be interpreted as a form of self-deprecation, where the speaker believes that they do not deserve to have something so valuable in their life. This sentiment reflects the speaker's humility and perhaps a sense of unworthiness in the face of such greatness.

The use of the word "possessing" also adds a layer of complexity to the line. It implies ownership and control, suggesting that the speaker sees this person or thing as something to be possessed rather than cherished for its own sake. This could be seen as a commentary on the nature of love and desire, where possession can sometimes lead to loss and heartache.

Overall, the line "Farewell! thou art too dear for my possessing" captures the conflicting emotions of love and loss that are central to Shakespeare's sonnets. It speaks to the universal experience of longing for something that is out of reach, and the pain of letting go of what we hold most dear.