Feral
The poem 'Feral' explores the complex emotional landscape of an individual grappling with the pressures of societal expectations and the struggle for authenticity. The speaker opens with a stark declaration of being in 'peril,' immediately establishing a tone of vulnerability and urgency. Lines like 'Look at me, I ask please' reveal a deep yearning for recognition and understanding, while the admission 'Friend, I don’t pretend to be your friend' underscores a disconnection from others, suggesting a façade that the speaker feels compelled to maintain.
As the poem progresses, the speaker articulates their exhaustion with the performance of happiness, stating, 'Putting up a smile every day.' This line encapsulates the emotional labor involved in masking true feelings, as the speaker plays the role of a clown to uplift others, even at the cost of their own well-being. The repetition of 'drown' in the context of both the speaker and those they try to help emphasizes a shared struggle with despair, highlighting the futility of their efforts.
The emotional arc shifts from a sense of duty to a realization of personal pain, culminating in the poignant lines, 'I am no longer trying / I’m just here crying.' Here, the tone shifts to one of resignation and sorrow, as the speaker acknowledges their inability to continue the charade. The imagery of the 'upside down frown' and the metaphor of the 'costume' serve to illustrate the internal conflict between outward appearances and inner turmoil.
Craft-wise, the poem employs a mix of colloquial language and vivid imagery, which creates an intimate connection with the reader. The use of enjambment throughout the poem reflects the speaker's chaotic thoughts and feelings, while the stark declarations punctuated by dashes convey a sense of urgency and emotional intensity. Ultimately, 'Feral' speaks to the broader themes of mental health and the societal pressures that compel individuals to hide their true selves, resonating deeply in contemporary discourse on authenticity and emotional well-being.
| Word | In English | Plain (English) | Pron. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feral | wild, untamed | not domesticated or cultivated; existing in a natural state | Feral |
| peril | danger | serious and immediate danger | peril |
| pretend | act as if | to make believe; to act as if something is true when it is not | pretend |
| bullshit | nonsense | foolish or nonsensical talk or ideas | bullshit |
| clown | jester | a performer who entertains others, often by making them laugh | clown |
| drown | sink in water | to die by submerging in water; to be overwhelmed | drown |
| exhausted | very tired | extremely tired; drained of energy | exhausted |
| goodness | kindness | the quality of being good; moral excellence | goodness |
| harm | injury | physical injury or damage; emotional distress | harm |
| smearing | spreading | to spread or apply a substance on a surface | smearing |
| brace | prepare | to prepare oneself for something difficult or unpleasant | brace |
| displace | remove | to move something from its usual place; to replace | displace |
| disgrace | shame | loss of reputation or respect; dishonor | disgrace |
| jewel | precious stone | a precious stone or ornament; something valuable | jewel |
| costume | outfit | a set of clothes worn to represent a character or role | costume |
The poet remains unidentified, but the work reflects contemporary themes of mental health, societal expectations, and personal struggle.