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Summary

The poem "I Feel Closed In" expresses the emotional and physical discomfort of being confined and the struggle to find relief during a mental health break.

Abstract

"I Feel Closed In" is a poignant poem that captures the claustrophobic sensation of being trapped within one's own space, both physically and mentally. The author describes an environment where the comforts of home become oppressive, and the fluctuations of temperature mirror the instability of their emotional state. Despite efforts to alleviate the feeling of confinement through activities like writing notes, engaging in conversations, or enjoying comforting items like hot tea, the sense of isolation persists. The poem reflects on the challenges of coping with quarantine, the monotony of inactivity, and the yearning for a change in circumstances. The author oscillates between moments of seeking light and warmth, and resigning to the repetitive cycle of sleep, highlighting the ongoing struggle with the quarantine blues.

Opinions

  • The author feels trapped and suffocated by their immediate environment, which is described as stuffy and uncooperative.
  • There is a sense of frustration and helplessness as the speaker's attempts to improve their situation, such as talking to friends or changing their surroundings, fail to bring comfort or satisfaction.
  • The poem conveys a sense of physical discomfort, with the speaker experiencing a sore throat and body aches, possibly due to inactivity and the stress of confinement.
  • The author expresses a longing for freedom and normalcy, as indicated by the line "Wait a minute, where are my shoes," suggesting a desire to escape the confines of their current situation.
  • The repeated phrase "I feel closed in" emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the speaker's emotional state, which is characterized by feelings of emptiness and hollowness.
  • The poem suggests that the speaker finds little solace in routine activities and even resorts to excessive sleep as a means to escape their reality.

I Feel Closed In

A Poem

Photo by Misael Covarrubias on Unsplash

Four walls Two windows

Room Stuff Stuffed Stuffy

I feel closed in

What do you do if you need a mental health break while you’re on a mental health break?

I feel closed in

Too hot one minute Too cold the next

I feel closed in

Soar throat Writing notes

I feel closed in

Blankets and sheets just won’t cooperate Chatting with friends and family won’t fill the void or satiate

Cups of hot tea Panera delivery

I feel closed in

Quarantine blues Wait a minute, where are my shoes

I feel closed in

My body aches from inactivity My heart aches — feel hollow and empty

I feel closed in

Blinds down Flecks of sun shine through

Oh what’s a girl to do when she

Feels closed in

I guess- I’ll go back to sleep

Again…

Poetry On Medium
Poetry
Quarantine
Covid-19
Panera
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