So that I can love myself

Summary

The poem reflects on the profound impact of a lover's affection and appreciation, which transforms the speaker's self-perception into a more loving and accepting view.

Abstract

Through evocative imagery, the speaker describes how the love received from another person has altered their self-image. They see themselves reflected in their lover's gaze, find their words intertwined with their own thoughts, and feel their touch as a lingering presence. This love is so deeply imprinted that it affects the speaker's perception of their own body, leading to a newfound appreciation for themselves. The poem concludes with the realization that the love shared has left indelible traces, much like the veins on a leaf, allowing the speaker to embrace their reflection with affection.

Opinions

The speaker experiences a significant shift in self-image, now viewing themselves through the loving lens of their partner.
The lover's words and actions are as permanent and intertwined as blades of grass in the speaker's hair, suggesting a deep and lasting connection.
The physical and emotional aspects of the relationship are inseparable, with each touch and kind word leaving a lasting impression on the speaker's sense of self.
The poem conveys a sense of acceptance and contentment, as the speaker comes to appreciate their body and being through the eyes of their lover.
The metaphor of love as "makeup" implies that the lover's affection beautifies and enhances the speaker's self-image.
The recurring theme of reflection, both literal and metaphorical, highlights the transformative power of being seen and loved by another.

So that I can love myself

Hiding in the curves and creases, like veins on a leaf, are tiny traces, here and there, of the love you made to me.

I see myself differently after seeing you.

Your big-hearted gaze seems to affix itself to my face, like makeup so that in my reflection, there you are: blushing back at me from the glass.

Your precious words get tangled up in my hair, like blades of grass so that I can’t pull them out of my head. (And I don’t want to, though I look like I’ve been dragged through a hedge.)

Your touch stays with me all day, keeps getting in my way, like a flash of sun across the screen so that wherever and whenever I see myself, I catch glimpses of us and am blinded by the memory of your kiss.

I squint, as though looking through your eyes, at my body in the water;

and at last I like what I see.

Hiding in the curves and creases, like veins on a leaf are tiny traces, here and there,

of the love you made to me.

So that I can love myself

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