"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"

The quote you supplied is from Elizabeth Barrett Browning, a highly regarded figure in Victorian poetry known for her emotional depth and expedition of styles such as love, yearning, and human connection. This particular passage reveals the tender beginnings of a romantic relationship, using vivid imagery and a sense of improvement to highlight the profound effect of love.

The phrase "First time he kissed me, he however just kissed/ The fingers of this hand wherewith I write" captures a moment of gentle respect and reverence. The kiss isn't a direct statement of passion however a subtle gesture towards the things of his love-- her hand, specifically the fingers with which she writes. This choice can symbolize adoration for her intelligence, imagination, and the power she wields through her writing, rather than simply her physical existence.

The subsequent lines, "And, ever since, it grew more clean and white", recommend a transformative power associated with this preliminary encounter. Here, "tidy and white" are not just indications of physical cleanliness or paleness, but rather represent pureness, renewal, or a sort of spiritual awakening caused by love. This imagery indicates that the act of being valued in such a mild and considerate way has cleansed or elevated her. It encapsulates the concept that true affection can highlight the best in individuals, fine-tuning them in metaphorical ways.

Moreover, the focus on "since" shows that this modification was lasting. The kiss has actually left a continuing impact, suggesting that the relationship has enhanced her life and her sense of self. This metaphorical change supports styles common in Browning's poetry that love, in its purest form, can cause individual growth and knowledge. Through this analysis, the passage interacts a long-lasting message about the transformative and edifying power of love.