First Poem For You Analysis

A tattoo is like poetry, because there is always more to the story than what meets the eye! The sonnet “First Poem for You” by Kim Addonizio is a riveting piece of poetry that uses symbolization to help guide the readers to understand the emotions and feelings the woman has towards her partner. Visual and tactile imagery used within this poem helps readers interpret the meaning of the poem. The theme is longevity and the true meaning of a relationship. In Addonizio “First Poem for You,” Addonizio utilizes literary elements to develop the story and detail a fictional character that is in love with a man that has permanent tattoos. Upon analyzing the symbols, visual imagery and theme throughout this poem the readers will better comprehend the poem to its entirety; these elements symbolize permanence, which is the meaning of the entire poem.
There are numerous symbols used in this sonnet, and they are imperative, because they provide a great deal of meaning to the story. Generally speaking, tattoos are the most important symbol in this poem. For example, the woman wants a permanent relationship, like the permanent tattoos on the man’s body. For example, “They’ll last until / you’re seared to ashes; whatever persist / or turns to pain between us, they will still / be there.”(974) implies that their
This opaque poem is about a woman who is frightful of permanence; she is worrisome that her relationship will not be as permanent as the tattoos on her partner’s body. For instance, she says “They’ll last until / you’re seared to ashes; whatever persist / or turns to pain between us, they will still / be there.”(974) which, implies the tattoos will last until he dies, and she hopes their relationship will too. The theme of this story is important, because if readers do not understand it, then they will not understand the woman’s concern with relationship