Is it enough?

Apologies for practically ghosting YWS for the past few weeks…I wasn’t really feeling up to it. I’ll post my 2 required reviews later, I hope…if I’m not tired from school and my brain wants to actually work.

P.S. A bit random but when does summer end? I know it kinda changes every year, so I’m more asking about the end date of the summer holidays if it hasn’t ended already.

Wow. I enjoy reading this. It’s a thoughtful piece that captures the essence of feeling like a small player in a much larger narrative.

This poem beautifully explores the hesitation and self-doubt that often accompany the desire to contribute or make an impact. The central image of a splash in a pond symbolizes a small, yet meaningful, action in the vast expanse of ideas and opinions. The contrast between dipping a finger in the water and fully submerging oneself in it reflects a common struggle: wanting to make a difference without fully committing.

The poem's imagery—like the ripple in the pond and the paper boat amidst giant metal ships—powerfully captures the feeling of insignificance that can accompany individual efforts. This sense of being a small contribution in a sea of larger, more impactful entities is relatable and evocative. The line about feeling wrong to touch the pool without swimming effectively conveys the internal conflict of wanting to contribute but feeling inadequate or out of place.

Your use of simple, vivid imagery helps make the poem’s themes accessible and engaging. The reflective tone, combined with the exploration of personal hesitation, aligns well with the introspective nature of your previous work. The poem's structure, with its flowing, contemplative quality, mirrors the gentle yet persistent nature of the thoughts being examined.

The poem resonates with anyone who has ever felt like their efforts are too small to matter. It eloquently expresses the tension between the desire to contribute meaningfully and the fear of not measuring up.

Keep it up!

Wow! I really enjoyed reading this piece. Thought relatively short, you were able to pack in lots of descriptive language and create a lovely scene.

My non-literal interpretation of this piece is that it's a metaphor for wanting to start something (perhaps a creative pursuit or commitment heavy endeavor), but being unsure of how to begin/afraid of failing. I think this is something many people could relate to as it can feel hard to try new things, especially in a world heavy with expectations.

From splash to ripple to submerging and swimming, you paint a picture of tentative desire and perhaps fear of full commitment. Water is a great device for this metaphor because you can't unsplash a puddle and even the lightest tap on the surface can create ripples. This gives the feel that even trying, simply dabbling, could have undesirable consequences.

Overall, I verymuch enjoyed this poem and I'll leave you with this; I much prefer a sweet little paper boat to a polluting, disruptive giant ship. Remember that art is subjective and you should not concern yourself with what is "good enough" by other people's measure... it's all about what floats your boat (sorry I had to).

Anyways thanks for sharing and keep on writing!

Hey friend! Ellie here with a review. Your poetry is always lovely and it's so awesome to see you posting!!

I love the first whole stanza that you have here, especially this question:

Would it be wrong to make a splash?

I wish to dip my finger in the water,
watch as the water slowly splits at my hand
yet I don’t have to courage to fully submerge
my body in the water —
I don’t feel like swimming

Yet it feels wrong to touch the pool
if you’re not going to be in it.
It feels wrong to paint the canvas, add one little stroke
if the only contribution I have, amidst
giant metal ships sailing the river with ease
is a little paper boat.

I relate to this one so much! Feeling as though if your contribution is too small for the large need and desire from the world. The line:

“if the only contribution I have, amidst
giant metal ships sailing the river with ease
is a little paper boat.”

This one hit home. as a way to de stress or keep occupied in a long meeting, I often make paper boats. It’s the smallest thing that brings me joy. But you’re right. There are huge ships carrying people, materials, etc. What good is a tiny paper boat.

But there are 2 sides to every coin. Those huge industrial ships cause pollution. Hurt ecosystems. And are loud and obnoxious. And a paper boat? It brings child hood memory’s, smiles, and a sense of wonder. Maybe it isn't about how big your contribution is but the feeling you get when you contribute.

But then again there’s always that feeling of is it enough

Thank you for this poem and the themes it holds. I dunno if this counts as a review, a reflection, or just me yapping, but I just felt compelled to share. Your doing some awesome work!