Adeline

Adeline
by Keaton Foster



Endless are her eyes,
Screaming as to why.
Standing quite alone,
At the very edge.
One side is life,
The other is death,
Pointing beyond.
Soft, her words,
Somber songs,
Whispers of truth
Within the folds
Of so many lies.
Regardless of tone
Or lack of bravado,
I can hear it all,
Every single word.
Adeline.
Once I loved her.
Awkward
Was the way
I needed her
More than most.
She was the beat
To my heart,
The air to each breath.
Now, she is none of those,
And even less.
I wished her away.
She escaped,
Left us behind.
Leaving while fleeing
Is not really a choice.
Adeline.
I alone remain.
I see from afar,
But the distance
Is quite close.
I know what’s next
Because I understand
What was before.
She is broken,
Not by me,
But despite us.
She has returned
To what was before.
She warned me,
And I refused to believe
That someone so beautiful
Could be so damaged.
But she is.
Adeline.
Doing time
In a prison of the mind.
Empty is her heart,
Solemn her chest,
A space devoid of love,
Not because of what she wished,
But because of what I made so.
Now I have to stand here
And see her as she was
And as what she has become.
Now I must face what I’ve done,
Because like her,
Before all of this,
Before us,
I was not capable of love.
I tried to be for her sake,
But such a thing is not possible,
Nor was it ever for either of us…



Written by Keaton Foster Copyright © 2008-2023

Synopsis

The poem you shared is a poignant and evocative piece that delves deep into themes of love, loss, and self-awareness. Here's a brief analysis of its elements and themes:

Themes and Imagery

Love and Loss: The poem reflects a profound sense of lost love and the lingering impact of a relationship that has ended. The speaker's reflection on Adeline conveys deep emotional turmoil.

Duality and Conflict:

There is a recurring theme of duality—life and death, love and indifference, presence and absence. This is evident in lines like "One side is life / The other is death" and the juxtaposition of past and present states of the relationship.

Isolation and Despair:

The imagery of standing alone at the edge and the references to a prison of the mind evoke feelings of isolation and despair. This is further emphasized by the speaker's acknowledgment of their emotional shortcomings.

Self-awareness and Regret:

The speaker shows a painful self-awareness and regret, recognizing their role in the deterioration of both Adeline and the relationship. They admit to not being capable of love, which is a stark realization that adds to the somber tone.

Structure and Style

Free Verse: The poem is written in free verse, allowing for a fluid and natural expression of emotions without the constraints of rhyme or meter.

Imagery and Symbolism:

The use of vivid imagery and symbolism (e.g., "Endless are her eyes", "prison of the mind") helps to create a deep emotional resonance and a vivid picture of the speaker's inner world.

Repetition: The repetition of Adeline's name emphasizes her significance and the haunting nature of her memory.

Emotional Tone

The tone of the poem is melancholic and introspective. The speaker is grappling with the consequences of their actions and the irreversible changes in Adeline.

There is a sense of mourning—not just for the lost relationship, but also for the lost potential and the damage inflicted upon both individuals.

Key Lines and Interpretation

"Endless are her eyes / Screaming as to why": This line suggests a depth of pain and confusion in Adeline's eyes, reflecting her inner turmoil.

"Leaving while fleeing / Is not really a choice": This captures the complexity of Adeline's departure, indicating that her leaving was a form of escape rather than a simple choice.

"Doing time / In a prison of the mind": This metaphor highlights the psychological impact and the sense of being trapped in one's own thoughts and emotions.

"I was not capable of love": This admission is crucial, as it reveals the speaker's recognition of their emotional limitations and the resulting consequences.

Overall, the poem is a deeply moving exploration of the complexities of love, the impact of emotional damage, and the struggle to understand and come to terms with one's own failings.