Dim Lady

Though the list of physical attributes presented in “Dim Lady” do not represent the feminine ideals traditionally celebrated in sonnets and other forms of love poetry, the speaker’s authentic and humorous tone conveys the intimacy of a loving relationship between two individuals who are wholly themselves with each other. Only a close couple can employ near-insults as a way to communicate a loving message; the trust that underpins such a relationship reflects the true intimacy and familiarity that characterizes mature love.

After the volta in line 10, the speaker of the poem makes a final assertion celebrating her beloved, who is, in the speaker’s opinion, flawed but highly lovable. The speaker claims at the end of the poem that her beloved is more attractive than “any / lanky model or platinum movie idol” (Lines 11-12), confirming that love is an individual and unique experience for the couple in the love relationship. Though others may not understand the appeal of hair the color of “dishwater” (Line 4) and the scent of “the garlic breeze my / main squeeze wheezes” (Lines 7-8), the speaker of the poem loves her beloved for all her qualities, including the less obviously appealing ones.