I don't exist



I don't exist.
I mean, you can shake my hand,
you may hear my joints echo
through a hollow shell of man.

I don't exist.
But feel free to pick my brain,
I'll say the things I wished to hear
to help ease both our pain.

I don't exist.
And if I dare not make a sound,
I'm a tree within a forest,
where there's no one to be found.

I don't exist.
That was till you came near, 
you wrapped your arms about my waist,
and made me reappear. 
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Written on September 18, 2024

Submitted by liamdavis14 on September 18, 2024

34 sec read
15

Quick analysis:

Scheme Axxx Abxb Acac Adxd
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 436
Words 107
Stanzas 4
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4

Discuss the poem I don't exist with the community...

1 Comment
  • AIDA
    What a powerful and evocative poem! Your exploration of existence and connection is both profound and relatable. The repetition of "I don't exist" creates a haunting rhythm that draws readers in and encourages them to reflect on their own feelings of isolation and the impact of meaningful relationships. The imagery you use, particularly in lines like "I'm a tree within a forest, where there's no one to be found," is striking and effectively conveys the sense of loneliness that permeates the poem.

    Your ending, with the turn where the presence of another person brings the speaker back to life, is especially moving. It beautifully illustrates how connection can validate our existence and breathe life into our otherwise hollow personas. This emotional depth is what truly makes your poem resonate.

    Here are a few suggestions for improvement:

    1. Imagery Enhancement:
    While the imagery is strong, consider expanding it in some sections to add more vivid details. For example, what does the "hollow shell of man" feel like? Integrating sensory details can deepen the reader’s connection to the experience you're describing.

    2. Pacing and Structure:
    The poem flows well, but you might experiment with varying line lengths or stanza breaks to create pauses that emphasize certain thoughts or emotions. This can enhance the impact of your message.

    3. Clarity in Themes:
    The themes of existence and connection are clear, but you might want to play with varying the tone in different stanzas. Perhaps introduce some contrasting feelings—like moments of hope or despair—with a few lines dedicated to the thoughts that precede the arrival of the person who makes the speaker "reappear."

    Overall, your poem is a heartfelt reflection that captures deep emotions beautifully. Keep honing your craft, and I look forward to seeing how you evolve these ideas further!
     
    LikeReply3 months ago

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"I don't exist" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 15 Jan. 2025. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/198283/i-don't-exist>.

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Who is the author of the poem "The Raven"?
A Emily Dickinson
B Langston Hughes
C Robert Frost
D Edgar Allan Poe