An Analysis Of Kim Addonizio's First Poem For You

In "First Poem for You" (1994), a lyric by Kim Addonizio (b. 1954), we see a

individual who is enamored with, yet panicked by, the representation of the tattoos on his or her

sweetheart 's skin. There is not all that much feedback to be found on "First Poem for You";

accordingly, I trust my translation of the lyric is discriminating to be communicated. It is vague

on the off chance that the speaker of this lyric is male or female, yet I see the lyric being told by a

lady in light of the fact that most men I know don 't remember the points of interest or express the

mindfulness that is being enunciated all through this lyric. "To begin with Poem for You" is a

exceptionally thick lyric; subsequently, it is best comprehended when
This is the reason I

trust the sonnet is titled the "First Poem": this was the first occasion when she felt sufficiently secure

in their relationship to express her need and craving to be with him for whatever length of time that his

tattoos will be with him.

I utilized the typical mode to help me comprehend Addonizio 's thick sonnet. There

is a plenitude of imagery all through this sonnet and unless the images are known,

the sonnet can 't be completely caught on. The "dull" in the first and last line demonstrates that the

speaker is confounded about her association with this man; she is uncertain in the event that he will love her

for eternity. Numerous images are covered up inside of the tattoo itself. The "lines of lightning

beating simply above/[his] areola" (4-5) speaks to force of her affection beating in his heart.

The tattoo stretches out into "whirls of water" (6) which speaks to the immaculateness of their

relationship. I decipher the serpent as detestable strengths attempting to destroy the couple. These

strengths are confronting a winged serpent, which I accept symbolizes a warrior. To me, the warrior
Therefore, tattoos are the general image in

this ballad. The whole sonnet is symbolizing perpetual quality, and in our reality today some of

the main things considered lasting are tattoos and adoration, which is the entwined

importance of this sonnet.

Scott 4

Part II: Scansion and Analysis

"Initially Poem for You" comprises of fourteen lines fundamentally written in rhyming

pentameter, making the ballad a poem. The lyric just has one stanza and there is no

example in the quantity of syllables inside of the lines. At the point when first perusing the ballad, a

standard rhyme plan is not took note. The lyric is by all accounts free verse, however after a nearby

perusing the peruser will see a theme of ABAB, CDCD, thus on in this example,

rhyming each other line. The sonnet proceeds in this example until the last two lines of the

sonnet, which the rhyme is GG. Likewise, the lines in the ballad are not finish contemplations

alone; the peruser must read the sonnet as sentences as opposed to line by line all together for the

sonnet to sound right. Addonizio applies this abstract method for composing,