What aspect of love does sappho describ in the poem he seems to be a god?

Sappho was an ancient Greek lyric poet, born around 630 BCE on the island of Lesbos, in the present-day Aegean Sea. She was one of the most renowned poets in the ancient world and is known for her unique and passionate writings about love and beauty. While there are various interpretations of her poetry, one of the central aspects of love that Sappho often describes is its intense, all-consuming nature. In her poem, 'He Seems to Be a God,' she depicts love as a divine and overwhelming experience.

In this poem, the beloved's presence and qualities are described as having a significant impact on the speaker. She compares the beloved's beauty and grace to that of a god, making the experience of love seem almost otherworldly. Sappho uses vivid imagery to portray the physical effects of love on the speaker, including trembling, heat, speechlessness, and a racing pulse. The poem captures the intensity and power of love, and the way it can overwhelm the senses and emotions.

Here is an excerpt from the poem 'He Seems to Be a God' by Sappho:

"He seems to me equal to the gods,

that man who sits opposite you

and listens close,

while you laugh your sweet laughter,

for that has taken my mind away,

now seeing you for sure.

For when I look just a moment at you,

my voice catches,

my tongue is broken up,

a subtle fire runs under my skin,

my eyes see nothing, my ears hum,

cold sweat pours over me,

and I tremble all over,

and I'm more lifeless than grass,

and I lie deathly pale,

and a little I lack to die."

Through these lines, Sappho conveys the overwhelming and transformative power of love, as it renders her speechless, breathless, and physically paralyzed. She compares the experience of love to being struck by a divine force, and the poem illustrates how love can feel like a profound and life-changing encounter.