Five mismatched cups sit on a narrow teal shelf, with pale curls of steam rising against cream.

Original artwork, not a still

W.H. Auden

Among those whom I like, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker can find no shared trait among the people they like, but notices one among everyone they love: they make the speaker laugh. The contrast gives humour a special place in this personal account of affection. A broad comparison resolves into one simple, intimate measure.

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