How to define a perfect match? Society defines two equally attractive individuals as perfectly matched, and a woman's beauty defines her attractiveness. In “Litany,” Collin’s speaker presents and describes a true, unconditional, unequal relationship as a perfect puzzle. The speaker names characteristics and attributes that his lover lacks while listing other attributes in a roundabout way. Using “you,” the speaker describes and addresses his lover with unusual and usually unwanted comparisons. He describes himself more attractively and emphasizes the fact that despite his superior characteristics, he still needs and loves her. Many of his comments are roundabout and have a double meaning. "Litany", like Shakespeare's, "My mistress's eyes are nothing like the sun", mocks the perfection and romantic idealism of love. Through metaphors, effective use of syntax, structure, and contrast, Collins effectively conveys a humorous satire toward traditional love poems while depicting a vision of a perfect match. Essentially, the entire poem is a flow of metaphors. These metaphors evoke various images that describe the speaker or his lover by contrast. However, Collins illustrates the essence and attributes of the lover with strange comparisons. For example, he begins the fourth stanza with “and a quick glance in the mirror to show/that you are neither the boots in the corner” (lines 16-17). Traditionally, the poet exalts himself over the beauty of a woman or her attractive features. Instead, the speaker denies that her appearance is neither rough nor her face forgetful by claiming that she is not like "boots in the corner." The metaphorical comparison is succinct. Collins omits the typical infatuation... middle of paper ... realistic romance places the speaker and his love interest in their own realistic adjustment. Although he can list the lover's faults, he is able to show that she lacks her good traits. Despite the fact that he is stellar, he needs her to complete himself and shine. Collin paints the picture of a man without much stability who fits perfectly with a woman who, ignoring other norms, complements and complements him. Additionally, Collins manages to portray certain angles of a romance in the absence of a rhyme scheme. Instead, Collins entertains the reader with a light-hearted comic puzzle. The speaker goes against the generalization of society. His lover is not described as being of great beauty or on par with him, but he loves who and what she is. Works Cited “Litany”. Poets.org - Poetry, poems, biographies and more. Internet. September 17. 2011. .