loneliness — Summary

Back to the page Is what I say

Back with the pain I gave away to gain

My happiness Which is starting to fade

So I stay away From those who come to play

Starting to feel the pain I cannot run away

Can you save me? Can you love me?

No... I'm the one who faded

Now you feel the pain Until you come my way...

I can't save you But I can love you.

Show the whole poemHide the poem

Learn Poems app

Try the Learn Poems app

Everything from the website trainer, and more: new exercises, voice recording and sharing, reminders, quick review.

The speaker of "loneliness" is caught in a cycle of withdrawal and ache. They return to the page, apparently as a place to put their feelings, and admit that they once gave away pain in order to gain happiness. Now that happiness is fading, the pain is coming back and they feel they can't escape it. Out of fear or discomfort, they push away people who want to be close.

The turning point is the question "Can you save me? / Can you love me?" The answer, "No...", is surprising, because the speaker blames themselves: "I'm the one who faded." The poem then shifts toward another person, who now feels pain until they "come my way." The ending is quiet and honest. The speaker can't rescue anyone, but they can offer love.

The mood is sad and introspective, with a small note of tenderness at the close. The short lines and simple rhymes ("away," "play," "gain") make it feel like a private confession.

Read also

More by Jacob Quigley

All poems
SadJacob Quigley

Franken Poem

You want me to be lost under the surface I'm becoming this mistake Feeling faithless, becoming tired I've become so aware