Love After Love

The time will come
when, with elation
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror
and each will smile at the other's welcome,

and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you

all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,

the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.

Analysis (ai): This poem explores the journey of self-love and acceptance. It begins with the speaker speaking to a future self, describing a time when they will find joy in being alone. The speaker encourages the future self to embrace the stranger that is themselves, and to let go of the past.

The poem is characterized by its simple yet powerful language, and its use of repetition to emphasize the importance of self-love. It is similar to Walcott's other works in its exploration of themes of identity, loss, and longing. However, it is unique in its focus on the transformative power of self-acceptance. (hide)

Like (1561) 782 Well written Liked it Good work! Like (1561)

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Older comments

Jay Goodall - I love this poem so much. Gave me shivers

on Mar 08 2025 06:44 PM PST x rate: , , skip edit

Boateng Jeff - Great piece

on Mar 04 2025 03:39 AM PST x edit

Apocalipcy - Very well done.... keep up the great work cheers!

on Dec 28 2024 06:45 PM PST x rate: , , skip edit

- Superb. Doors and mirrors, distortions and fears, occupy so much of our lives and imagination.

on Dec 18 2024 11:16 AM PST x edit

AcademicWeapon7 - Written beautifully! This really helps people like myself exploring this in GCSE to feel good about themselves so thankyou so much

on Dec 16 2024 12:54 PM PST x edit

The sweet sixteen - Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. This is gorgeous. One of the best things I've ever read.

on Dec 08 2024 03:40 AM PST x edit

A Peace in Time - I had to grasp this early in life when I lost my husband. Although I grieved, I found acceptance for being alone. I learned a lot and experienced self-love like I never knew existed. Beautifully written! Thank you for sharing!

on Nov 14 2024 06:46 PM PST x edit

Pacman21145 - Well composed piece. I find this poem is rich with layers of meaning, deeply reflective and poignant. Nicely done. Please read my poem linked here; https://allpoetry.com/poem/17858990-Tomb-of-the-Unknown-Soldier-by-Pacman21145

Nicely written

on Nov 05 2024 06:58 PM PST x edit

Immortality- - Beautiful

on Sep 28 2024 03:37 AM PST x edit

Randy k lynn jr. - Damn that shit was fire, better than drugs. I love you very much and appreciate the conveyance of acceptance.

on Sep 26 2024 11:38 AM PST x edit

-izynx-00 - nice!

on Sep 04 2024 03:46 AM PST x edit

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Comments from the archive

Karaharapriya - I think this is such an amazing poem. I celebrated my 54th birthday yesterday and felt like just being with my self, such a far cry from the desperate yearning of my younger days when I would look to others for approval and love. What is so calming is not having to deal with that incessant need. The last two lines so sparse and yet so eloquent. ' Sit. Feast on your life'

on Jul 10 2008 08:54 AM PST x edit

- this is pretty good!
i have not really seeen or heard good potey [POETRY? MODS]

on Jul 10 2008 06:31 AM PST x edit

Peteskid - One of my favorite writers, an influence on my writing; and this is one of his best; amazing depth and beauty in these rich and wise verses...PK

on Jul 10 2008 05:09 AM PST x edit

Paulcreates - This is the best interpretation of the adage, "Love yourself first" that I've ever had the pleasure of witnessing.
Paul

on Jul 10 2008 02:27 AM PST x edit

Weepingwillows - ooohhh, this is stunning, love this, so glad to have read it, he must have been a wonderful writer

on Jul 09 2008 11:59 PM PST x edit

Unbridled1 - This poem speaks to the very simple idea of needing to be able to love one's self. Even when we feel alone, we never are, if we can find peace within and be content inside the skin that contains us.

Really like the message that Walcott is sending out with this piece. Everyone should take the time to read it and reflect upon the importance of loving...starting with one's self.

UB