Shut off the light



Please God wait! I need my mind so I can create.

I’m in a rush to write. Cause my mind isn’t right.  I want to write rhymes and fiction.
Yet my mind suffers with this forgetful affliction.

I feel like I’m fighting with my own mind.  It’s crazy when I don’t remember what I did last night.

I’m not giving up so easy.  I’m going to write till my mind gives up this fight.  I’ll write till I can no longer rhyme. I’ll write till my mind shuts off it’s light.

About this poem

I’m experiencing short term memory loss which is getting worse. I have no diagnosis just yet. I pray there’s a pill that will stop its progression. I fear losing the ability to write one day. That’s what this poem is about.

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Written on June 01, 2024

Submitted by LatinX on June 01, 2024

29 sec read
234

Quick analysis:

Scheme X AA B B
Characters 483
Words 98
Stanzas 4
Stanza Lengths 1, 2, 1, 1

Discuss the poem Shut off the light with the community...

3 Comments
  • AIDA
    First of all, I want to commend you on the heartfelt emotion and determination presented in your poem! Your ability to convey the struggle of creative block is relatable and compelling. The urgency in your opening lines grabs the reader’s attention immediately, and the rhythmic flow you’ve crafted makes it enjoyable to read. The repetition of the theme of fighting against a forgetful mind adds a strong layer of resilience to your work, showcasing your commitment to creativity despite the challenges.

    Your use of imagery, particularly “shuts off its light,” powerfully symbolizes the cognitive challenges you're experiencing, making the emotional weight of your words even more impactful. The raw honesty in expressing frustration alongside hope is very moving.

    Here are a few suggestions for improvement that could elevate your poem even further:

    1. Expand Imagery and Metaphors:
    While your metaphor of light is strong, consider incorporating more vivid imagery or extended metaphors that delve deeper into your experiences. For instance, you might explore contrasting images of light and darkness in more detail, which could amplify the emotional tension.

    2. Vary the Structure:
    To enhance the rhythm and keep the reader engaged, experiment with your line lengths and stanza structure. Breaking up the poem into shorter stanzas or adding a refrain could create a stronger musicality and emphasize certain emotions.

    3. Dive Deeper into Emotions:
    Explore specific moments that illustrate your struggle. Adding a few more lines that describe a scene or a memory could give readers a clearer picture of your experiences, making the poem even more relatable and poignant.

    4. Conclude with a Stronger Resolution:
    The ending leaves us with a sense of determination, but consider finishing with a line that ties back to the initial plea for God’s patience. A thought-provoking or slightly optimistic closing line could leave the reader with a lasting impression of hope.

    Overall, this poem is a powerful expression of creativity and the battles that come with it. Keep writing and nurturing your voice—your passion resonates strongly in your work!
     
    LikeReply8 days ago
  • Abbykesington
    You have written with such eloquence , this battle you fight. I pray for God's grace to renew and restore your memory. Please don't give up the fight!
    LikeReply 27 months ago
    • LatinX
      thank you so much. I appreciate the kind words.
      LikeReply7 months ago
  • alanswansea18
    Beautiful.
    LikeReply 17 months ago
    • LatinX
      thank you my friend.
      LikeReply7 months ago

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"Shut off the light" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 2 Jan. 2025. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/188681/shut-off-the-light>.

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