Artsyames’s Weblog

    I really like this poem. It is very short but has a nice rhythm to it. I think all the stressed syllables give it that rhythm. Even though it is a child’s poem published in children’s books, I think it sends a strong message to all. It is very inspirational to all to do things and not ponder what should have been. I think every one has said “Woulda-coulda-shoulda” and I find it interesting he uses slang in this piece. The phrase is what makes it relatable to people of all ages.

     The poem is very fun. I love the metaphor he uses. He uses the slang as a group of subjects. I’m not sure, but I think this is a case of personification. He gives action to a common phrase. I like how when I read it, I get a sense that the phrase is a group of children lounging in the sun complaining about what they should have done. Then I think of the “did” subject chasing them away. It is almost like the “woulda-coulda-shouldas” are ashamed when the “did” shows up. I think this is a great analogy for children to get the right message of positive and negative actions.

I’M STILL HERE, Author Unknown
Friend, please don’t mourn for me
I’m still here, though you don’t see.
I’m right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I’m always near.
I’m everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I’ll never wander out of your sight-
I’m the brightest star on a summer night.
I’ll never be beyond your reach-
I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach.

I’m the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers of which you’re so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you’ll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there’s no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I’m the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I’m the smile you see on a baby’s face.
Just look for me, friend, I’m everyplace.
 

This poem gives me hope. I had suddenly lost a really close friend a little over a year ago and this poem makes me believe there is hope that he is not completely gone. The worst feeling in my opinion about death is the thought of an unexistence. One minute they are somebody and the next they are nobody. One minute they are alive, the next hey are dead. Reading this poem hurts a little though. I start to think about when he was alive, when he really was standing beside me. But then again it helps me remember some of the good times.  One part I took very literal was “My body is gone but I’m always near. I’m everything you feel, see or hear.” The reason I like and choose to take it literally is because he was cremated. So that line I could relate to.

     My favorite lines are “When you start thinking there’s no one to love you, you can talk to me through the Lord above you. I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees, and you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.” I like these lines because they are so beautiful, especially the last two lines. I would speak aloud sometimes at night, and feel like answers to my questions were somewhat responded, not by words, but by a feeling. I really like the poem for the hopeful thought that he is everywhere with me. Also it is very uplifting and helpful for people who need it.

Losing someone to death is so hard to overcome that I think it’s poems like this that make us feel better.