Intangible thoughts

Abstract

Abstract: a collection of poems written using short lines and long stanzas. This collection reads in a story-like manner, with the first four poems surrounding mental health issues as well as fear of death before actually living. The next four poems deal with my parents, growing up and seeing them as people rather than just mom and dad as well as reminiscing on my past homes. The interlude is a middle ground that mixes self-uncertainty and parental turmoil with general disillusionment. The following four revisit my relationship with food, my struggles with anxiety, and existential panic. The succeeding poems illustrate romantic love and heartbreak. The final poem ruminates on what my parents would think of me if I didn’t carry the achievements that I hold. I referenced different poets, musical artists and films in this collection. I found many parallels between my writing style and the authors I read from my independent study course. For instance, Terrance Hayes had a descriptive writing style while also implementing surreal components into his poems. Jenny Zhang on the other hand had a confessional writing style that introduced a sense of nostalgia and vivid imagery while also including some forms of existential questioning. This project encouraged me to live more honestly as myself to myself. Keywords: Psychology, Poetry, Mental Health, Love, Perception