Unrequited
From a collection of poems titled Sad Girl Hours
Unrequited
Four syllables, defined by Merriam Webster as not reciprocated or returned in kind. Harsh, stinging, like a cigarette stubbed out on skin. Dramatic, but nonetheless real and painful.
There’s this guy. Let us refer to him as Jon.
He is infuriating, and smart, quick, funny, kind, considerate, scathing and unyielding simultaneously.
I have never met anyone like him, and because of that I wish I’d never met him at all. Jon, is, an unforeseen nail in the road I must maneuver around. But I chose to slowly roll over it, instead of swerving to avoid it. I hoped that as the tires of my vehicle moved over the sharp, yet disarming metal I would be able to coast across it unharmed.
Ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss……goes the air as it whistles out of the tire, punctured, damaged, in need of a repair.
I don’t remember meeting Jon, he was just suddenly there, the nail that was in the road and is now lodged into the rubber of my wheels. The metal clacks against the asphalt as the tire rotates and the nail slaps down onto the concrete almost rhythmically.
Less sadly metaphorical, Jon surprised me, in an alarming fashion.
You see, I purposefully closed myself off, to avoid the inevitable, crushing weight of my own anxieties telling me, before he ever could, that I would never be good enough, chosen first. It’s a vicious thing, anxiety. Especially as it whispers doubts and faults into the inner ear.
Ssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh……goes the bully anxiety that tells you, you were an idiot to even think there was the possibility of something more than camaraderie.
Hahaha, goes the sharp tack of a voice in your head, reminding you that in the years you have lived, no one you ever wanted has wanted you back. And that you should just cut your losses and stop trying.
But that’s just it.
I wasn’t trying. And somehow, not that he had to try that hard, or try at all, Jon still weaseled his way under my skin, but barely touched me. He was nobody and then he was definitely somebody. Somebody I looked forward to seeing, somebody I enjoyed talking to. Somebody whose eyes I liked being watched by.
I want to tear my hair out because this wasn’t on purpose. This wasn’t at all the plan. I’m so tired of being at the merciless beck and call of my wayward and fickle emotions. I feel like the sum total of my losses. I am tired of looking at myself through the eyes of others. I want to know within myself that I am worthy of all the good things I want.
So I tell myself, over and over again that Jon is but a nail in the road, on my path to somewhere else. A nail in the road that I ran over. A nail in the road that tore into my tire. A nail in the road that gave me a flat. A nail in the road that in turn became a setback, a nail in the road that-
Just a nail in the road of my life that stretches on in front of me as far as my brown eyes can see. There will be other nails, other flat tires, other setbacks on the way to my ultimate destination, a destination that lies somewhere I can not currently see, far beyond the horizon, but undoubtedly, there, waiting for me.
Just a nail in the road.
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‘There Is a Sense of Things Careening Towards a Head’: TS Eliot Prize Winner Karen Solie
Karen Solie, the award-winning poet and TS Eliot Prize winner, has long been celebrated for her insightful exploration of human experience and contemporary life. Recently, she spoke about a feeling that pervades her work today: “a sense of things careening towards a head.” This statement captures both the urgency and tension present in her poetry, and offers a window into the mindset of one of today’s most influential literary voices. Solie’s reflections remind readers that poetry is not only about beauty or rhythm—it is a mirror for societal anxieties, personal contemplation, and the unpredictable nature of life. Who Is Karen Solie? Karen Solie is a Canadian poet whose work has won critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the prestigious TS Eliot Prize. Her poems are known for: Evocative language that paints vivid landscapes and emotions Reflection on social, political, and environmental issues Subtle commentary on the human condition Solie often blends observation with introspection, creating works that resonate with both emotion and intellect. Her poetry is widely studied and continues to influence a new generation of readers and writers. Understanding Her Statement The phrase “a sense of things careening towards a head” conveys tension, urgency, and anticipation. Solie explained that it reflects her perception of the world as both fragile and unpredictable. In her view: Events and emotions can escalate quickly, often beyond our control Social and environmental challenges add to a collective feeling of unease Poetry serves as a way to observe, interpret, and reflect on these accelerating moments In interviews, Solie emphasizes that this perspective is not doom and gloom—it is a call to pay attention, to witness, and to think critically about the paths we are on. Poetry as Reflection of the World Karen Solie’s work has long been praised for its connection to reality. Unlike purely abstract poetry, her writing often engages with: The natural environment, from forests to urban landscapes Societal shifts, such as economic pressure, political tension, and cultural change Personal experiences, weaving intimate reflection into larger contexts By describing life as “careening,” Solie acknowledges the chaotic yet patterned nature of existence. Her poetry encourages readers to pause, reflect, and notice the small and large forces shaping their lives. Examples from Her Work In many of Solie’s collections, the theme of mounting tension is apparent. Critics note how she: Explores moments of uncertainty, where seemingly small events lead to dramatic consequences Captures the fragility of human connections in a fast-paced world Uses language rhythm and structure to reflect the unpredictability she observes This stylistic approach aligns with her recent comment, giving her audience a direct lens into the psychological and social layers of her poetry. Why This Matters Today In a world filled with rapid change—whether political, environmental, or personal—the feeling of “things careening towards a head” resonates with many. Solie’s poetry: Reflects the modern experience of uncertainty and acceleration Encourages readers to observe, question, and interpret rather than passively accept Provides a space for emotional processing, giving language to feelings that are often hard to articulate Her work reminds us that poetry is not only aesthetic but deeply engaged with life, serving as both warning and meditation. Interviews and Public Commentary In recent interviews, Solie discussed how her writing has evolved over time. She explained that, while she has always observed the world with care, current times amplify the feeling of escalation and urgency. She also noted: Poetry allows her to navigate uncertainty and organize thoughts Sharing work publicly is a way to connect with readers facing similar challenges The statement about careening is a reflection, not a prediction, offering insight rather than fear This approach has made her work especially relevant in today’s cultural climate, where readers are searching for clarity and emotional resonance. The Role of the TS Eliot Prize Winning the TS Eliot Prize has elevated Solie’s profile internationally. The prize: Recognizes outstanding poetry collections Brings attention to poets with distinct voices and perspectives Encourages global readers to engage with contemporary poetry For Solie, the recognition is significant, but she emphasizes that the work itself—the poems—remains central. The feeling she describes is inseparable from her creative practice, reminding audiences that great poetry often emerges from observing the world deeply. Takeaways for Readers and Writers Karen Solie’s reflection on “things careening towards a head” offers several lessons: Observe carefully – Pay attention to the details and patterns in life. Express honestly – Use language to articulate complex feelings and observations. Balance urgency with reflection – Recognize escalating situations, but maintain perspective. Engage with the world – Poetry is a tool for connecting personal insight with societal currents. For aspiring writers, Solie demonstrates that poetic voice thrives when it captures both the inner and outer worlds with clarity and empathy. Conclusion Karen Solie’s recent statement highlights a core truth of her work and life philosophy: the world is accelerating, moments of tension are inevitable, and poetry offers a lens through which to understand, reflect, and communicate these experiences. Her work, recognized with the TS Eliot Prize, reminds readers that attention, reflection, and creative expression are essential tools for navigating a complex world. In a society often rushing toward uncertainty, Solie’s words encourage us to pause, observe, and consider the paths we are traveling—both individually and collectively. For readers and writers alike, her insight is both a warning and an invitation: to notice the world careening around us, and to respond thoughtfully through reflection, observation, and art.
By Fiaz Ahmed 6 days ago in Poets
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