Love After Love
By Derek Walcott
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 youall 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.
Understanding “Love After Love”
Derek Walcott’s “Love After Love” is a powerful and tender poem that explores the themes of self acceptance, self care, and rediscovery after loss or hardship. It offers a deceptively simple message: true love and fulfillment begin with loving oneself. The poem does not describe romantic love; rather, it encourages a turning inward, welcoming the self as if it were a stranger deserving of kindness and care. It is often used to help individuals reconnect with their inner selves after periods of emotional difficulty or when feeling lost.
The Central Idea
At its core, “Love After Love” advocates a radical act of self compassion. The poem suggests that we often neglect or ignore our own needs, seeking validation and love from external sources. Walcott challenges this by presenting a vision of a future where we greet ourselves with the same warmth and generosity we offer others. It calls us to nurture the “stranger” within—the part of ourselves we have forgotten or disowned.
What Makes This Poem Special?
Walcott’s poem is remarkable for its accessibility and gentle tone. It avoids being preachy or overly sentimental, offering instead a quiet invitation to self discovery. The imagery is simple but evocative, creating a sense of warmth and intimacy. Its universal message of self care resonates with readers from all walks of life, making it a beloved and frequently discussed work.
A Deeper Dive: Analyzing the Poem
Lines 1-5: The Promise of Acceptance
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,
The poem begins with a sense of hopeful anticipation. The phrase “The time will come” immediately establishes a future possibility, a promise of healing and self acceptance. The image of “greeting yourself” is striking—it’s as if we are meeting a long-lost friend. The “elation” suggests a joy that comes from recognizing and embracing one’s own worth. The mirroring effect—seeing oneself and being seen—emphasizes the act of self recognition and validation. The smiles exchanged are not just expressions of welcome, but affirmations of self worth.
Lines 6-9: Nurturing the Self
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
These lines shift to a more intimate and nurturing tone. The simple commands, “sit here. Eat,” are deeply symbolic. They represent the basic act of self care—providing nourishment and comfort to oneself. The core message emerges: we must learn to love ourselves as we would love a stranger, acknowledging that this “stranger” has been with us all along, quietly loving us. The offerings of “wine and bread” echo the imagery of communion, suggesting a sacred act of self acceptance. Returning the heart to itself emphasizes the importance of reclaiming emotional wholeness.
Lines 10-12: Recognizing Past Neglect
all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf
The poem acknowledges the often painful reality that we frequently neglect our own needs in favor of seeking love and approval from others. The phrase “whom you ignored” is particularly poignant, highlighting the self abandonment that can occur in relationships. The self, the one “who knows you by heart,” has been a constant presence, even when overlooked. The call to “Take down the love letters from the bookshelf” is not about romantic relationships, but about retrieving the memories and experiences that have shaped our identities. It is about reclaiming our stories and acknowledging our past selves.
Lines 13-15: Feasting on Life
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
These final lines are a powerful call to action. Collecting “photographs” and “desperate notes” represents a process of self reflection and acknowledging the entirety of our experiences—both joyful and painful. “Peel your own image from the mirror” is a striking image suggesting a stripping away of false pretenses and self deception. Ultimately, the poem culminates in a joyous celebration of life. “Sit. Feast on your life” is a command to savor the present moment, to appreciate the beauty and richness of existence, and to fully embrace one’s authentic self.
Literary and Poetic Devices at Play
Imagery
Walcott masterfully uses imagery throughout the poem. The recurring images of food—“wine,” “bread,” “feast”—evoke a sense of nourishment and comfort. The mirror serves as a powerful symbol of self reflection and recognition. These images appeal to our senses and help us connect with the emotional core of the poem.
Metaphor
The entire poem can be read as an extended metaphor for self care and acceptance. The “stranger” represents the neglected part of ourselves that deserves our compassion. The act of “feeding” oneself is symbolic of nurturing and caring for one’s inner child.
Repetition
The repetition of simple commands like “sit” and “eat” creates a rhythmic, meditative quality. It emphasizes the importance of these fundamental acts of self care.
Enjambment
Walcott uses enjambment— the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next—to create a sense of flow and momentum. It mirrors the ongoing process of self discovery and healing.
Free Verse
The poem’s use of free verse allows for a natural, conversational tone. It avoids the constraints of rhyme or meter, allowing the meaning to emerge organically.
Quotes to Remember
These lines offer powerful reminders of the poem’s central message:
“You will love again the stranger who was your self.”
“Sit. Feast on your life.”
These phrases are perfect for sharing with others or reflecting upon during moments of self doubt or difficulty.