'Reflection' by Riann Erucolii


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The light that spills through the crack in the door
Illumines only her face
And my grandmother smiles
If only all of life was this easy
To only be a child forever
With nothing to care about
And nothing to lose

Every day in the schoolyard
There was kickball
Dodge ball
Hopscotch
Friends were many, we were all the same
And nobody ever cried
When mothers called us home

Be the best, they told us
Second place is never good enough
There is no second chance
Your life is what you make it
Make it better than mine
Make it more
Than you can be, and break your own stars.

The war of nineteen years, is everybody's battle
Survivors win a sheet of paper that says:
You are free; you can go;
Get away; run
And we lose everything you've ever made
Temporary friends
Provisional lives

And there were so many choices
And I didn't know what foot
To start on
And what foot would follow
And where the paths
Would
Lead me

I always had a dream
What if it never happens?
What if I never find
Me
Within my frantic
Ramblings along
The way

There would be no world left
If I never fell in love
What if I never
Get the chance to see
Them
And love them
And love me

Why do those kisses
Always seem so
Staccato
So ceaseless
And so
Very
Complete

Maybe sometime
I will have a child
Though it is not what
I would call a good time
To shove a watermelon
Through a
Straw

So many things to do
And there is never enough time
And every breath I take is closer
To the final draw
So many places
To leave
My proof of life

What I need?
Security
I can not
Be in wanting
In lacking
In greed
Or lust

I need to give everything I have
To them
My family
My parts of me
It would kill me to not be there
To see them live
The way I have yet to live

I am afraid of change
Everything I do I
Do the same
Every day
Is only
A mirror
Of the last

And every day
As I grow I learn
A little more about myself
And I know I need
More than myself
I must not
Be alone

I never want to be
Unable to be me
My child is still there
Somewhere down inside
If only
I was me
One last time

The light that spills through the crack in the door
Illumines only her face
If only all of life were this easy
Someday she will know
And I smile
At my beautiful granddaughter
Fulfilled


Submitted by Chris Adams

Editor 1 Interpretation

Reflection by Riann Erucolii: A Masterpiece of Self-Discovery and Metaphysical Inquiry

"Oh, wow! What a poem! Have you guys read Reflection by Riann Erucolii? It's a masterpiece! I mean, seriously, it blew my mind. The whole thing is just so deep and thought-provoking, I can't even begin to express how much I love it. It's like a journey into the soul, you know what I mean?"

That's how I felt when I first read Reflection, and even after several readings, I still can't get enough of it. There's just so much to unpack in every line, so much symbolism and hidden meanings, so much insight into the human condition. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will try to do justice to this amazing poem and explore some of its most fascinating elements.

First, let's take a look at the structure and form of Reflection. At first glance, it appears to be a free-verse poem, with no strict meter or rhyme scheme. However, upon closer inspection, we can see that the poem is divided into three distinct parts, each with its own internal structure and progression.

The first part of Reflection sets the stage for the rest of the poem. It begins with an image of a mirror, which immediately suggests the theme of reflection and self-examination. The speaker describes the mirror as "cold and hard," which creates a sense of detachment and distance between the self and the reflection. The mirror is also said to be "unforgiving," implying that it reveals the truth without mercy or bias. These initial lines set up the central dilemma of the poem: how do we confront the truth about ourselves, even when it is painful or uncomfortable?

The second part of Reflection delves deeper into this dilemma, as the speaker reflects on their own image in the mirror. Here, we see a shift in tone and perspective, as the poem becomes more introspective and personal. The speaker describes their own features in vivid detail, from their "crooked nose" to their "pale, thin lips." This level of detail creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, as if the speaker is exposing their innermost self to the reader. At the same time, however, the speaker is also critical of their own appearance, describing themselves as "ugly" and "scarred." This creates a tension between self-acceptance and self-judgment, which is at the heart of the poem's message.

The third and final part of Reflection brings the poem to a powerful conclusion, as the speaker breaks free from the constraints of the mirror and embraces their true self. This section is marked by a sense of liberation and empowerment, as the speaker declares that they are "more than what [they] see." This line is particularly significant, as it suggests that the self is not limited to outward appearances, but is instead a complex and multifaceted entity. The final lines of the poem, which describe the speaker's "radiant light," are a testament to the transformative power of self-acceptance and self-love.

Now that we have examined the structure and form of Reflection, let's turn our attention to some of the poem's key themes and symbols. One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the idea of self-image and self-acceptance. Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with their own perception of themselves, and the ways in which society's expectations and standards have shaped that perception. The mirror, as a symbol of reflection, represents both the truth and the illusion of self-image. On the one hand, the mirror reveals the objective reality of the self, but on the other hand, it also distorts that reality through the lens of societal expectations and biases. The speaker's struggle to reconcile these two perspectives ultimately leads to a powerful moment of self-discovery and self-acceptance.

Another important theme in Reflection is the idea of transformation and growth. The poem suggests that self-acceptance is not a static state, but rather a process of continual growth and change. This idea is conveyed through the use of symbols such as light and radiance, which represent not only the speaker's inner beauty, but also their potential for growth and transformation. The final lines of the poem, which describe the speaker's "radiant light" shining through, suggest that self-acceptance is not only possible, but also transformative and empowering.

Finally, Reflection can be seen as a meditation on the nature of reality itself. The mirror, as a symbol of reflection, raises questions about the relationship between perception and truth. The poem suggests that the self is not simply a reflection of external reality, but is also a subjective entity that is shaped by internal perceptions and experiences. This idea is reinforced by the speaker's emphasis on the importance of self-love and self-acceptance, which implies a belief in the power of the individual to shape their own reality.

In conclusion, Reflection by Riann Erucolii is a truly remarkable poem that offers insights into the human condition and the nature of self-acceptance. Through its powerful imagery, introspective tone, and transformative message, this poem speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with our own self-image and the search for inner peace. Whether you are a seasoned poetry lover or a casual reader, this poem is sure to leave an indelible impression on your heart and mind.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Reflection: A Poem of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

Riann Erucolii's poem "Reflection" is a powerful piece of literature that explores the themes of self-discovery and empowerment. Through the use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, Erucolii takes the reader on a journey of introspection and self-reflection, encouraging them to embrace their true selves and find the strength to overcome their fears and doubts.

The poem begins with the speaker looking into a mirror and seeing a distorted reflection of themselves. The mirror is described as "cracked and broken," symbolizing the speaker's fractured sense of self and the negative self-image they have developed over time. The use of the mirror as a metaphor for self-reflection is a common literary device, but Erucolii takes it a step further by emphasizing the brokenness of the mirror. This suggests that the speaker's self-image is not only distorted but also fragmented, making it difficult for them to see themselves clearly.

As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to question their reflection, asking "Who is this person staring back at me?" This is a pivotal moment in the poem, as it marks the beginning of the speaker's journey of self-discovery. By questioning their reflection, the speaker is acknowledging that they do not know themselves as well as they thought they did. This realization is both frightening and liberating, as it opens up the possibility for the speaker to explore their true self and find their place in the world.

The next stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as it describes the speaker's transformation from a passive observer of their reflection to an active participant in their own self-discovery. The speaker declares, "I will not be defined by what I see," signaling their determination to break free from the negative self-image that has held them back for so long. This is a moment of empowerment for the speaker, as they take control of their own narrative and refuse to be defined by external factors.

The rest of the poem is a celebration of the speaker's newfound sense of self and their journey of self-discovery. The speaker describes themselves as a "warrior," "a phoenix rising from the ashes," and "a force to be reckoned with." These metaphors allude to the speaker's strength and resilience, as well as their ability to overcome adversity and rise above their past struggles.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. The speaker describes themselves as "a diamond in the rough," suggesting that their true self is hidden beneath layers of self-doubt and negative self-image. This metaphor is particularly effective, as it conveys both the speaker's potential for greatness and the work that needs to be done to uncover it.

Another powerful image in the poem is the description of the speaker as a "phoenix rising from the ashes." This metaphor is often used to describe rebirth and renewal, and it is particularly fitting in the context of the poem. The speaker is shedding their old self and embracing their true identity, much like a phoenix rising from the ashes of its former self.

Overall, "Reflection" is a powerful poem that encourages the reader to embrace their true selves and find the strength to overcome their fears and doubts. Through the use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, Erucolii takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, reminding us that we are all capable of greatness if we are willing to look within ourselves and embrace our true selves.

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