"Gentle" has beneficial connotations - demonstrates optimism and hopefulness at the start of new relationships Metaphor: On this poem, the “white apple” is usually a metaphor for Loss of life. The “flavor of stone” is actually a metaphor with the grave. In the 3rd stanza, There exists a good example https://single-bookmark.com/story18805807/not-known-factual-statements-about-poem-valentine