There’s “more than meets the eye” to this poem. Back in the ‘80s, that was the tag-line for the original Transformers cartoon, and the same can be said here. The “you” staring back in the mirror is not that same old person you see every day. In this case, it’s a long, lost “stranger,” someone whom you’ve not connected with in a long time. Getting back to loving yourself is the ultimate transformation in this poem (even more amazing than Grimlock, who was pretty cool in his day).
Questions About Transformation
- What previous transformations might “you” have gone through, prior to this poem being written? What hints does the poem give us about “your” past?
- How is reflection a transformative experience? How might the speaker answer that question?
- Is this transformation into self-love really as easy as the speaker suggests? Why or why not?
- Are you confident that the “you” in this poem can transform and love “yourself” again? Why or why not?
Chew on This
Love is the ultimate transformative experience. This poem shows us that love changes us, both for the better and at times for the worse.
No transformation or growth is possible without hardship. If everything were hunky-dory in “your” life, our speaker would have no advice to give.