Love Poem By John Frederick Nims Analysis

John Frederick Nims’ “Love Poem” is a poem describing someone he loves. The first line of the poem, “My clumsiest dear, whose hands shipwreck vases”, at first may be interpreted as the start of some form of insult. This line also intrigues the reader to continue and explore what Nims has to say about his “dear”. Though the poem begins by depicting some negative attributes that his love possesses, Nims doesn’t forget to describe her positive attributes, “Only with words and people and love you move at ease”. Overall the poem uses different elements of poetry to portray the idea that although his “dear” has many imperfect qualities, he loves her despite of them all.
The author uses literary tools such as similes, metaphors, and personification …show more content…
“Only with words and people and love you move at ease; in traffic of wit expertly maneuver …”. After describing her unpredictability when crossing the street, this metaphor speaks volume and shows how much her ability to effortlessly hold a conversation with others is treasured and adored. The final stanza in its entirety is a proclamation of the depth of his love. The author expresses his need for his lovers company and even gives her permission to continue on smashing glasses. In the final lines he expresses the sadness that would take over if she were to die, the phrase “… hands drop white and empty…” metaphorically representing death. He goes further, not only expressing that her death would affect him, but “all the toys of the world would break”. This final line is the most profound part of the poem. It signifies that her life is greatly valued. Toys are objects that bring happiness to people especially children. Toys represent joy, hope, and laughter. They are treasured and evoke nostalgic memories. To have the joy, happiness, and hope of the future broken and taken away due to the loss of one person is such a powerful and intense statement and shows how much his lover means to