Key Quotes

• The title suggests a typical love poem but the opening line “Not a red rose or a satin heart” suggests the poet flouts traditional images of love.
• The poem is written in first person, “I give you an onion” immediately debunking the idea of a traditional gift.
• The idea of love isn’t elevated or refined as “a wobbling photo of grief” suggests love can be painful and our emotions can overwhelm us.
• Language such as “blind”, “fierce” and “possessive” suggests an intensity to love that will only last as long as they are true to each other. “If you like” implies the intensity of love isn’t dependant on a wedding ring.
• “cling to your knife” suggests love can be dangerous and all consuming. The slightly sinister tone suggests an obsessive side to love.