If You’re Reading This
Is it too much to say to an audience of one
That nobody is listening anymore?
That the abandoned buildings came
When nobody left
Skylines started falling,
But the frame work stayed in place
Approaching standards
We all got carried away
If this is all the work of the devil
Why is this the intention?
At the bottom of our ships
We wade tides that once pulled us under
Is it too much to ask for a glass of ice water?
We all deserve to face our liars and whom only aimed to harm us?
If you’re reading this, my signs were posted
Maybe these halls would remember
The exact words we all said
When it would never happen to us
If you’re reading this,
Consider it my last call
My last chance to help you see the world through broken eyes
My letters sent but I paid no postage, just be held up in someone else presence,
If the light shines through,
Will you be the one staring back?
If you’re reading this,
With no way to quit believing
Continued your way
Moving through the motions that changed our lives
My only way to say
I’ve taken more than just time to try and understand
But I really must be going,
If you’re reading this,
Just remember it’s only selfish to want
It’s absolutely necessary to need
Turning the pages back to the start
My darkest hour,
Held up by batteries and connected machinery
If the light still shines for you
maybe someday it will shine for me too
If you’re reading this
and we’ve lost all of the games we play,
Packed right are the things we packed away
We’ve been ready to move away, and be replaced with mirrors with no reflection
If you’re reading this,
And all of the beaches sands have been washed away, and replaced with empty shells
May you remember me
If you’re reading this
And all of your thoughts have been washed away,
Look back for me, pretend these words no longer matter
And remember all we used to be
Analysis of the poem:
“Is it too much to say to an audience of one”
This poem is a poignant exploration of isolation, introspection, and the passage of time. The poet masterfully employs vivid imagery and metaphors to convey a sense of abandonment and the enduring struggle to find meaning and connection in a seemingly indifferent world.
Imagery and Metaphor: The poem opens with a stark image of an “audience of one,” immediately setting a tone of solitude and introspection. The abandoned buildings and falling skylines symbolize the decay of once vibrant places and perhaps, the decay of personal dreams and aspirations. The framework that remains in place suggests a lingering hope or resilience amidst the ruins.
Themes: Central themes include abandonment, the search for understanding, and the confrontation with personal demons. The poet questions the intentions behind suffering and the struggle to stay afloat in life’s turbulent tides. The recurring plea for a “glass of ice water” symbolizes a basic human need for relief and truth in a world filled with deception and harm.
Structure and Tone: The poem’s structure, with its repeated refrain “If you’re reading this,” creates a sense of a personal letter or a final testament. This repetition reinforces the urgency and desperation of the poet’s message. The tone is reflective and melancholic, yet there is an underlying strength in the poet’s resolve to communicate their truth, no matter how painful.
Emotional Impact: The poem’s emotional impact is profound. It captures the reader’s attention with its raw honesty and the universal struggle to find meaning and connection. The poet’s vulnerability is palpable, making the reader empathize with their plight. The closing lines, which speak of washed-away thoughts and empty shells, leave a lasting impression of loss and the hope for remembrance.
Conclusion: Overall, this poem is a powerful and evocative piece that delves deep into the human experience of isolation, struggle, and the quest for understanding. The poet’s use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and a reflective tone creates a compelling narrative that resonates with readers on a deeply emotional level. This work stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the relentless pursuit of truth and connection.
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