a soliloquy for life

by HJYoung

Published July 9, 2025

E - Everyone

In Poems

PreviousNext

a soliloquy for life

---

look back into ages past

see if it may last

the distance trekked, far

on course for the par

move forward, evermore

not linger thy gaze behind

live your life, grasp for more

heaven and hell aligned

live, I say!

live for the sunrise, I say!

live for the sunset, I say!

live for the good and the bad;

live for the joy and the sorrow;

live for the sake of it all!

---

do not falter, my soul

for a broken heart

can fly, just like a whole

into the sky of greatest part

life is a vast message

the self writes, addressed

to the final passage,

to the eternal rest.

so at the end of it all

when the symphony has ceased

and the curtains have closed

and you are all but alone

wouldn’t it be nice to look back—

—and see how far you’ve come?

---

to live is a great privilege

a vast confluence of chance

to exist in this moment

in this world, in this place

in this way, in itself

is to be…

…for an instant can be the same as eternity.

Comments & reviews · 2
User avatar
AlexWrites
Review
AlexWrites wrote a review Review · Sep 3, 2025

Image

Hey there, HJYoung! I'm Alex, dropping by a review on this poem of yours. I don't think I've ever read a work by you so I'm super excited to see what you've got in store for us. Let's get the analysis started.

This monologue particularly called out to me from the Green Room. The title is so unique, I had to google what soliloquy and I think it's a very cunning way to get the reader interested and involved. It almost has a theatrical setting. It inevitably invokes a curiosity: what is this soliloquy of life? We're about to find out.

The initial rhymes are hindered but they sure do the trick! You couldn't go wrong with the classic AABB scheme and the theme is coherent, so that's got to be something.

The second stanza directly addresses the reader, like the narrator is staring straight at us. It gives us a philosophy to live our life with, a path to walk upon. The sage advice of always grasping for more and never looking back particularly appealed to me, as they're so true. I was surprised this stanza didn't have a rhyme scheme at all, quite the contrast from the first one.

The tone shifts to become more enthusiastic and inspiriting, a welcome change! It sounds like an anthem, marching the reader towards all the sorts of things and experiences life has to offer. Be it sunset or sunrise, sorrow or joy- one must cherish it all. A splendid message indeed.

In the next stanza, the voice softens as it turns to assure and comfort. It lays a gentle warning for the soul to not falter in the face of despair.

for a broken heart
can fly, just like a whole


Absolutely stunning! These have got to be my favourite lines, they're so captivating. The metaphor was so subtly executed.

The fifth stanza dives into deeper ideologies quite effortlessly. I find a certain serenity to them.

to the final passage,
to the eternal rest.


Loved this philosophical phrasing, really original.

so at the end of it all
when the symphony has ceased
and the curtains have closed
and you are all but alone
wouldn’t it be nice to look back—
—and see how far you’ve come?


We've reached the outstanding climax! I'm a huge fan of how you've painted the backdrop of a drama show symbolically. First the use of the word 'soliloquy' and now the scene of closing curtains and ceasing symphony - it's all astoundingly vivid. As if life is a mere act!

The closing lines specially call out to the reader as the explore the likelihood of the miracle of life. Existence is such a rare gift and these lines perfectly capture it.

a vast confluence of chance
to exist in this moment
in this way, in itself
is to be…


I love how your words seem to be fading as the end nears, it such a unique and compelling take on structure.

All in all, this is the poem you read when life feels vain. When hopelessness has digged its claws into you, this piece helps you survive and endure the suffering. It doesn't validate your emotions, but demands of you to stand up despite them. The friend who extends a hand instead of wiping your tears. It leads you beyond your ignorance of the bliss that is life and gets you going again. The structure draws the reader's attention to make a lasting impact. It has a contagious strength to the narrative. The phrasing, too, is impeccable. I couldn't find any suggestions to give, you've completely nailed this! It was such an uplifting read, my absolute honour to have reviewed it. Hope I get to read more from you, very soon.

Image

User avatar
velvetcatsz
Review
velvetcatsz wrote a review Review · Aug 30, 2025

The subtitle caught my attention! And the title as well. Hi! My name is CATS and I will be reviewing your work today! Let’s splash in.
Wow. You are like William Shakespeare. Why is it so...Majestic..I might say? It’s so good and gives me an elegant feeling.
The second bit talks about SH and why you should live. This really touched me, because I just wrote something related! It’s so good, and gives people hope.
The next part tells you to move on. Such an inspirational poem!!!
The ending is even more amazing. It might be en my favourite! Can’t wait to see more of your elegant poetry! Happy Writing!
Sincerely,
CATS



Very well; I hear; I admit, but I have a voice too, and for good or evil mine is the speech that cannot be silenced.
— Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness