Holy Fire

The "holy fire" to which the speaker refers in the first line of the poem symbolizes poetic inspiration. Sappho laments the fact that she has lost this "fire" due to her thoughts being occupied by Philaenis. Instead, she has developed a new type of fire, one of desire and erotic obsession.

Paradise

The "natural paradise" symbolizes Philaenis's female form. Sappho draws a stark contrast between the organic, untouched state of Philaenis's body and the "tillage of a harsh rough man," suggesting that sex with men would disturb and ruin Philaenis's edenic state (38).

Fish and Birds

The fish and birds symbolize undetected, clandestine love. Sappho argues that men leave behind traces of their sexual relationships through the conception of children, while women would be able to engage in sex without consequence. She compares the traces women leave behind to fish leaving trails in streams or birds...