"First time he kissed me, he but only kissed The fingers of this hand wherewith I write; And, ever since, it grew more clean and white"

This quote by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a romantic description of a first kiss. The speaker is reflecting on the moment when her fan initially kissed her. She bears in mind that he just kissed the fingers of her writing hand, and ever since, her hand has become "more clean and white". This recommends that the kiss was so pure and unique that it left an enduring impression on her. The speaker is revealing her love for her partner and the unique moment they shared. The imagery of the kiss being so pure that it left her hand "tidy and white" is a beautiful metaphor for the power of love. It is a pointer that love can be a transformative force, which it can leave a lasting impression on us.