All I have are memories—
love and loss, pain and despair; the remorseless spiral into sorrow and then the slow crawling back until I learned to live again.
I imagine the next time we meet. But will there ever be a next time?
What if we don't recognise each other
anymore or flowers are no longer
in your life. What if when I look into your eyes I do not see that girl I loved once so very much. What if I am not brave to tell you how I died when we said goodbye.
Will you listen to my tears? I lie perfectly still in misery. There are a thousand pictures swirling inside my head.
What if, what if, what if.
Part of the Old Stories cycle of poems
A few words about the poem…
A Poem Laden with Longing and Loss | Melancholy Poems
What if," from the series “Melancholy Poems,” delves into the contemplation of memories, love, loss, and the uncertainty of the future. It begins with the speaker reflecting on their memories, encompassing both joy and sorrow and the recurring journey of despair and recovery. The repetition of "What if" underscores the pervasive sense of uncertainty and doubt that permeates the speaker's thoughts.
Throughout the poem, there is a poignant exploration of potential outcomes and fears regarding the future, particularly concerning the possibility of a reunion with a loved one. The uncertainty of recognition and the absence of familiar elements such as flowers in the loved one's life evoke a sense of apprehension and longing.
The speaker grapples with the fear of not seeing the person they once loved reflected in their eyes and the hesitation to express their emotions. The imagery of lying still in misery and the swirling of countless thoughts illustrate the weight of contemplation and emotional turmoil.
Overall, the poem captures the complex emotions associated with memory, love, and the unknown future, inviting readers to ponder the "what ifs" that linger in the recesses of the mind.
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