 Nathan Ridge 2008-07-14 . chapter 1Hmm, my thoughts vary on this poem. For starters, it's very personal in unexpected ways, not that there's anything wrong with that. Each stanza molds itself to the life of the reader, each pointing out different things. This may not be true for everyone but I certainly see a lot of my own habits and stresses in the poem as I read it.
The last line threw a massive twist in it though. Before the last line, I felt as if this was a melancholic attempt to accept the unacceptance of a close friend. Upon reading the last line, I find myself amazed at how different the poem has become. In my mind, the last line gives the reader a sense of selflessness while also hinting at a twinge of narcissism. Really though it's a confounding effect which adds that much more depth to an already profound poem.
Although I've never heard you talk, I can truthfully say I hear your voice speaking here. Your rhythm is so natural and flowing, I almost feel like I've known you for years; I've read many poems written by famous authors that didn't converse with me the way this one does. I applaud your natural talent. |