"The Scent of Stillness"
if silence had a smell, for it may be.
a flower, the air, or possibly me.
and though I wish it couldn't possibly be, I fear the scent of silence is purely me.
and though I speak
all day, every day.
everything i say is quiet, or weak.
I'm not quite sure what to say.
my mother would say "darling you're perfect"
and I would believe.
but now I'm starting to wonder if I'm worth it.
or if I should simply leave.
I often smell silence, its true, I confess.
you will too, its the way the world is, I guess.
I'm starting to wonder if I am to profess.
if silence isn't the smell of you, then you're simply blessed.
analysis underneath
Theme
Central Idea and Subject Matter:
The central idea of the poem revolves around the exploration of personal identity and self-worth through the metaphor of silence. The speaker grapples with feelings of inadequacy and the notion that their silence may define them, leading to existential questioning. The subject matter encompasses themes of introspection, familial expectations, and the contrast between external perception and internal reality.
Language
Word Choice and Literary Devices:
The language used in the poem is introspective and contemplative, using simple yet evocative phrases. The phrase "if silence had a smell" serves as a metaphor that encapsulates the essence of the poem, suggesting that silence has a tangible quality that can evoke emotions. The repetition of "silence" emphasizes its significance in the speaker's life. Additionally, the use of imagery (e.g., "a flower, the air") creates a sensory experience, while the contrast between the mother's reassurance and the speaker's internal doubts highlights the tension between external validation and self-perception. The use of enjambment (the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line), particularly in phrases like "and though I speak / all day, every day," adds a flow to the reading that mirrors the continuous nature of the speaker's thoughts.
Sound and Rhythm
Syllabic Patterns and Stresses:
The poem has a free verse structure, with no strict syllabic pattern or metrical rhythm. However, there is a natural cadence created through varying line lengths and the placement of pauses, often at the end of lines. This creates a reflective quality, allowing the reader to linger on the speaker's thoughts. The use of enjambment helps maintain a fluid rhythm, while caesuras (pauses within lines) emphasize moments of reflection and uncertainty.
Structure
Framework of the Poem:
The poem is structured into a series of stanzas, with varying line lengths that contribute to its free verse style. The lack of a consistent rhyme scheme gives the poem a conversational tone, while occasional rhymes (e.g., "be/me" and "weak/leave") provide moments of musicality. Punctuation is used to create pauses and emphasize certain phrases, such as the use of commas to slow the reader down and allow for contemplation. The line breaks often occur at points of emotional weight or thematic significance, guiding the reader's interpretation.
Context
Who, What, Where, When, and Why:
The poem appears to be a personal reflection from a speaker who is navigating their sense of self amidst feelings of inadequacy and the burden of silence. While the specific identity of the speaker is not mentioned, they seem to be addressing their internal struggles, possibly in a private or intimate setting. The "who" could represent anyone grappling with self-worth and the impact of silence on their lives. The "what" involves the exploration of these themes through metaphor and imagery. The "where" is more abstract, as it reflects an internal landscape rather than a physical location. The "when" is timeless, as issues of identity and self-worth are universally relevant. Finally, the "why" may stem from a desire to articulate the complexities of personal experience and to find solace in shared vulnerability, connecting with others who may feel similarly isolated.
---------------- let me know how i did. i think this is my best work so far!
