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Contemporary / Modern Poetry Human Written by tiawritespoetry · Aug 13, 2026

Day by day,
the you that's left
only in my memories
is starting to fade.
I close my eyes,
Trying to hold on to your words.
But all I can see are the wounds
I carved into your heart.

The guardian angels on my shoulder
climbed down my spine
and drove their arrows through me
for every scar I left behind.

Is it selfish to want it all back?
To turn back every page, hoping
the ending rewrites itself.

At the end of the day,
there's no god or fate left for me to blame,
because I wrote this story
word by word,
exactly the way I thought I wanted

And now,
I get to read it all alone...

How did this poem make you feel?

Community Score

2.0

out of 10

1 vote

Optional AI-generated literary feedback.

Poem Analysis

This analysis is provided as optional literary feedback. Community voting remains the primary ranking method.

Analysis Available

This poem explores themes of regret and self-reflection, as the speaker grapples with the consequences of their past actions. The work is marked by poignant imagery and a reflective tone, though it occasionally leans on familiar motifs. Its artistic value lies in its emotional honesty and the vivid portrayal of internal conflict.

Strengths

The poem uses vivid imagery, such as 'The guardian angels on my shoulder / climbed down my spine' to convey the weight of guilt.
The reflective tone is consistent throughout, creating a cohesive emotional experience.
The metaphor of writing a story to describe life choices ('I wrote this story / word by word') effectively conveys the theme of personal responsibility.

Areas for Improvement

The phrase 'the you that's left / only in my memories' is somewhat clichéd and lacks originality.
The poem's conclusion ('And now, / I get to read it all alone') feels predictable, diminishing its impact.

Imagery

The poem employs strong visual imagery, particularly in the depiction of guardian angels as agents of retribution ('drove their arrows through me'). This metaphor not only visualizes the speaker's guilt but also personifies their conscience. The wounds and scars mentioned evoke a visceral sense of regret and loss, highlighting the lasting impact of the speaker's actions.

Structure

The poem is free verse, lacking a fixed meter or rhyme scheme, which suits its introspective nature. Line breaks are used effectively to emphasize key phrases, such as 'Is it selfish to want it all back?' The stanza organization reflects the progression of the speaker's thoughts, moving from memory to self-reproach and ultimately to acceptance.

Language & Craft

The diction is straightforward yet evocative, with phrases like 'carved into your heart' and 'drove their arrows through me' providing emotional depth. The tone is contemplative, supported by the use of rhetorical questions ('Is it selfish to want it all back?') that invite the reader to ponder alongside the speaker. The language is accessible, enhancing the poem's relatability.

Emotional Impact

The poem succeeds in conveying a sense of loneliness and remorse, with the speaker's introspection resonating with readers who have experienced similar feelings. The emotional depth is heightened by the imagery and the honest acknowledgment of personal responsibility, though some elements may feel too familiar to evoke a strong, lasting impact.