The Cambridge History periodizes poetry according to traditional ideas about American history. Mainstream ideas of American poetry classify the Colonial and Early National period as beginning with the arrival of English colonists in the Americas and stretching into the early years of the United States. English language poetry in the New World begins as derivative of British stylistic standards. This changed as revolutionary Americans looked to distance themselves from their former position as a colony, their poetry eventually growing into what they understood as their own distinctly American voice. In many ways, American poetry of this period falls into the traditional poetic forms created by Europeans with an importance placed upon meter and rhyme schemes.
Within this period, there is an emphasis on religious love, often pulling on Biblical imagery. This idea of religion as love carries into notions of romantic love, characterizing romance as rooted in religious morality and the Christian ideals of marriage. This form of romance is seen clearly in the poetry of Anne Bradstreet. Post-Revolutionary War, there is also countless love poetry focused on a nationalistic love of the United States. Even in nationalistic love, themes of religion can be seen, demonstrating the pervasive nature of this understanding.
Give All To Love 