Smith’s use of the ampersand sign, “&”, functions in several important ways throughout the poem. As the introductory punctuation of the poem in the title, Smith uses the ampersand to imply the continuation of a conversation, establishing a casual tone with the reader and subject. The implication is that this is an ongoing conversation, where examples of racism proliferate in the speaker's life, culminating in an internalized form as well. This usage is also mirrored in the final moments of the poem, as “& so” (Line 5) connects the narrator to the subject who has been addressed throughout.

The ampersand is also used to create direct visual juxtaposition mirrored by meaning. An ampersand divides the “mirror &” the “man you refuse to love” (Line 3) and divides the listed positive adjectives in the final sentence. By choosing to avoid the actual word “and,” instead using a symbol, Smith impacts the visual experience of the poem and punctuates key moments of the poem more intensely.

The motif of longing and desire is a consistent undercurrent of the poem, which is, in subject, dealing with people who are trying to find a partner. There are only a few direct references to this desire: the tulip who “prays” (Line 1) to be with a rose, the “shadows longing” (Line 2), and the phrase “lovable” (Line 5) in the final statement.