Influenced

Summary

The poem "Influenced" reflects on the aftermath of a shattering event, exploring themes of avoidance, denial, and the struggle to maintain normalcy amidst change.

Abstract

"Influenced" is a contemplative poem that delves into the emotional and psychological impact of an unnamed incident, symbolized by the sound of shattering glass. The narrator, though not directly responsible for the event, feels the reverberations through their life, as they anxiously sort through mundane tasks like organizing pens and considering laundry to avoid confronting the underlying tension. The poem captures the narrator's attempt to deny and reframe their actions, moving towards an unnamed "you" as if it were their original intention. The narrative acknowledges the relentless nature of change, which cannot be halted by the trappings of past comforts or the distractions of technology. Ultimately, the poem suggests a moment of acceptance and quiet reflection, as the narrator considers taking a breath, opening a book, and closing the door, perhaps to find solace in solitude and the written word while waiting for a resolution.

Opinions

The poem conveys a sense of disruption and anxiety following an unexpected event, highlighting the human tendency to avoid dealing with distressing situations.
There is a theme of denial and self-deception as the narrator tries to convince themselves and others that their actions were intentional, despite the chaos around them.
The poem suggests that change is an unstoppable force, unaffect

A Poem

The sound of a glass connecting with the floor It wasn’t me but the whole facade cracks anxiously, fast waving through many blank pages organizing the dried out pens by colour and texture To escape outside in this weather doesn’t occur to me I consider doing the laundry as a way to avoid what might have happened I deny the event in any case moving towards you as if that had been my intent all along a swift case of forgotten motive blending in with the scene as it is Mentally, still I locate the broom and begin to suggest it before the recourse to silence becomes too tempting The change has hammered the air Nothing stops it or gets in front of it anymore Not the decor of wasted hotel rooms the divans of failure the dresser of archaic hopes demolished by technological advance the standards of the television which otherwise locate the things belonging to the world Might be time to take the next breath open the book and close the door until the rest is fixed