Colorless, pale face
There is no light in the eyes
White waves in dark hair
There is no power in the body
The stomach was dry and cringing
There is no rhythm in the steps
Lips should be pursed when smiling
A smile like not his own
The blood burned to ashes
There is no joy in life
The color of the clothes is dull
Like it hasn't been done in years
O man, always remember
That the poor man's daughter never lived
By Marrium Sipra
Explanation:
The poem paints a stark and melancholic portrait of a girl whose inner vitality and joy seem to have been extinguished. Each stanza describes different aspects of the individual's life, highlighting the absence of vigor and happiness.
The "white waves in dark hair" evoke an image of beauty, but it's juxtaposed with the observation that there is "no power in the body," suggesting a lack of strength or energy. Similarly, the description of the stomach as "dry and cringing" and the absence of rhythm in the steps suggest physical discomfort and a loss of grace or fluidity in movement.
The line "lips should be pursed when smiling / a smile like not his own" implies that the girl wears a smile as a facade, one that doesn't truly reflect their inner emotions. The metaphor of "blood burned to ashes" communicates a profound sense of emotional depletion and loss of joy in life.
The dull color of the clothes symbolizes a lack of vibrancy and vitality, perhaps indicating a long-standing state of neglect or disinterest. The concluding lines, "O man, always remember / That the poor man's daughter never lived," suggest a reminder of the struggles and limitations faced by those born into poverty, emphasizing the profound impact of socioeconomic disparities on individual lives.
Overall, the poem conveys a sense of desolation, disillusionment, and the weight of societal inequality, urging readers to reflect on the deeper layers of human existence and empathy for those who suffer.
You must be logged in to post a comment.