Help with analysis of this sonnet "First Poem for You" by Kim Addonizio?

Quick analysis help? What I see so far is that this is a woman who is scared to show her love outright, so she does it in the dark. I KNOW I am missing stuff. But can't seem to delve much further into it. Been on a weird poetry kick lately.I'd just like to make sure I am getting all the author is saying.


Thanks much for your help!!





"First Poem for You"


I like to touch your tattoos in complete


darkness, when I can’t see them. I’m sure of


where they are, know by heart the neat


lines of lightning pulsing just above


your nipple, can find, as if by instinct, the blue


swirls of water on your shoulder where a serpent


twists, facing a dragon. When I pull you


to me, taking you until we’re spent


and quiet on the sheets, I love to kiss


the pictures in your skin. They’ll last until


you’re seared to ashes; whatever persists


or turns to pain between us, they will still


be there. Such permanence is terrifying.


So I touch them in the dark; but touch them, trying

Help with analysis of this sonnet "First Poem for You" by Kim Addonizio?
I'm not sure if she is really scared to show her love outright, because in the dark or not she is still showing it. I think in a way this poem tells how the author is unsure of the permanence between them. The fact that she is in the dark could signify that she is confused, possibly about their relationship. She seems glad to know that the tatoos will last until death but scared to see if their relationship will eventually become filled with pain and bitterness instead of the 'love' she is feeling now for him. Because it is so terrifying as she mentions she wants to shy away from loving him but she tries regardless of the outcome. The tatoos seem to be easier and less terrifing than the man, for they will never change but his love for her could, either for better or worse. Another thing I noticed is that there is no period to finish the sentence (unless it was just a typo, lol) which could signify no end, but it leaves us hanging making us feel as if the poem is incomplete. I dont know if any of this makes sense, or is even correct however it is my interpretation maybe it will help you! Good Luck!!