By Ibrahim Sadiq
Life is an amalgam of rough roads. This is one message that is inherent in ‘Finish Line’, Abby Kesington’s debut collection of poems, which is home to well-crafted poetic pieces that delve into the complexities of life, the desire for understanding and acceptance, the essence of inner strength and the ability to find peace amid life’s storms among others.
The first poem in the collection, “Counting to Ten”, a succinct portrayal of the challenges faced in managing anxiety and the resilience required to confront inner demons, captures the intense emotional struggle of dealing with despondence and anxiety. The imagery of a lonely, sickening plight and a melancholic lullaby sets a somber tone from the beginning. The repeated motif of counting to ten reflects the speaker’s attempt to regain control and find calmness amidst overwhelming fear and desperation.
The poem effectively conveys the physical and mental manifestations of anxiety, such as the deafening silence, racing heart, and the feeling of suffocation. The use of metaphors like “Texas-sized fright” adds a powerful sense of scale to the emotions being experienced.
The structure of the poem, with its rhythmic repetition and escalating tension, mirrors the internal struggle of the speaker. It progresses from a state of despondence to a frantic battle for composure, ultimately seeking a glimmer of hope and light in the darkness.
There is also “They Made A Promise”, a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant piece that skillfully captures the complexities of human relationships and the aftermath of broken promises, explores the disillusionment that can arise from broken promises and unfulfilled expectations in relationships. The imagery of dancing on the edge of promises and breathing in their sweet whispers creates a sense of intimacy and anticipation, only to contrast sharply with the cold reality of promises evaporating like morning mist.
The metaphorical comparison of being the cornerstone of someone’s world to being discarded like a soiled diaper depicts the emotional upheaval and sense of betrayal experienced. The imagery of orbiting someone like a faithful moon, bound by false hope, deepens the theme of longing and disappointment.
The poem conveys the journey from trust and belief to realisation and introspection. The closing lines, highlighting the hollow nature of promises and the scars left behind, leave a lasting impact on the reader, emphasizing the bittersweet wisdom gained through painful experiences.
The poem titled “I Come With a Baggage” explores themes of avoidance, communication barriers, and the weight of personal struggles.
The poem unwraps the emotions and experiences associated with carrying emotional baggage. The use of metaphors like “rolled into my woes like a burrito” and “wobble like a ship tossed at sea” adds depth to the portrayal of the speaker’s burdens. The imagery of avoiding commitment and seeking refuge from struggles is relatable and resonant.
The poem maintains a consistent tone throughout, blending introspection with a hint of resignation. The repetition of “I get it…” emphasizes understanding and acceptance of the situation, even amidst the pain it brings. The rhythm and flow of the poem contribute to its readability and emotional impact.
In “Peace, My Mind Knows Peace”, the poet powerfully evocatively delves into the theme of finding inner peace amid life’s challenges and chaos.
The imagery in the poem is vivid and striking, especially the depiction of life as a force that “screams,” “drums the beat of war,” and “roars like a speeding truck.” These metaphors effectively convey the tumultuous nature of existence and the constant onslaught of challenges one may face.
The use of personification, where life is portrayed as a relentless adversary with “crimson-stained banners” and “furious sea,” adds depth to the poem’s emotional impact. It creates a sense of conflict and struggle that the speaker must confront.
The poem’s structure, with each stanza building upon the previous one, creates a sense of progression and resilience. Despite life’s relentless attacks, the speaker’s mind remains a bastion of calm and peace, symbolized by the repeated refrain of “my mind finds peace.”
The ending of the poem portrays the speaker emerging from life’s assaults with resilience and defiance. The imagery of “emerging on the shores of resilience” suggests a journey of growth and strength from adversity.
With “Phase of Peace”, the poet reflects on the tumultuous nature of life’s journey, beautifully captured through personal experiences and emotions. The poem begins with a sense of anticipation and optimism, symbolised by the last day of the year and the hope for a new beginning. However, this optimism quickly gives way to unexpected challenges and hardships, depicted vividly through metaphors like being “pushed over the cliff” and facing “tidal waves of betrayals and disappointments.”
The turning point of the poem lies in the realisation that amidst the chaos and turmoil, there exists a “phase of peace.” This phase is characterized by courage, resilience, and surrendering control to a higher power. The speaker’s struggle with the storm of life is palpable, expressed through heartfelt prayers and cries for respite.
The imagery of God throwing a lifeline and providing renewed hope is particularly powerful. It signifies a sense of divine intervention and guidance during times of difficulty. The theme of faith and perseverance shines through as the speaker learns to navigate the waves of life while finding solace in the belief that the storm will eventually subside.
The poem “The Voice” captures the journey of finding one’s voice amid doubt, fear, and inner battles. The theme of self-discovery and empowerment shines through the poem. It delves into the struggles of losing one’s voice to doubts and disappointments but ultimately reclaiming it with confidence and strength.
The use of metaphors like “trampled in the hay sack of fear” and “spirits descended with a heavy dose of confidence” vividly portrays the internal conflicts and the eventual triumph over them. The imagery of being on stage and roaring like a tigress adds to the sense of empowerment and courage.
The poem follows a clear narrative arc, starting with the protagonist’s initial loss of voice and culminating in the triumphant moment of reclaiming it. This progression creates a sense of journey and transformation for the reader.
The message of resilience, looking for strength in difficult times, and not letting inner doubts overshadow one’s potential is powerful and relatable.
The language is evocative and emotive, effectively conveying the emotions of the protagonist’s struggle and eventual victory. The use of repetition (“I heard my voice,” “I shouted,” “I screamed”) adds emphasis and reinforces the theme of finding one’s voice.
The titular poem, “Finish Line” encourages resilience and positivity in the face of challenges. The poem effectively uses the imagery of the skyline and sunshine to convey a message of hope and perseverance. The repetition of the phrase “Stop! Look at the skyline,” creates a rhythmic structure and emphasizes the importance of taking a moment to appreciate the beauty around us, even during difficult times.
The metaphors used, such as “life storms like a feline” and “no help from the bloodline,” add depth to the poem’s theme of overcoming obstacles. The line “Remember the sun still shines!” serves as a powerful reminder to stay optimistic and focused on the brighter side of life.
The progression of challenges mentioned in each stanza, from external weather conditions to personal worries and setbacks, culminates in the idea that everything is part of a greater design leading us towards our “finish line.”
In “Air Beneath the Flames”, the poet explores the relationship between fire and air as metaphors for passion and sustenance, respectively. The poem beautifully captures the essence of struggle, self-sabotage, and redemption through vivid imagery and emotive language.
The opening lines set the tone by questioning the essence of fire without air, cleverly juxtaposing the destructive nature of fire left without its essential counterpart. The imagery of “embers after a raging inferno” and “grey plumes a vestige of past glory” paints a picture of faded strength and resilience.
The poem delves deeper into themes of self-doubt, pride, and the desperate search for renewal. The lines “You push air aside; says all is fair” encapsulate the defiance and eventual realization of the importance of external support and sustenance. The use of personification, especially with air as a compassionate entity, adds depth to the narrative.
The climax of the poem comes with the plea for air to reignite the dying flames, symbolizing a moment of surrender and acceptance of help. The final stanza brings a sense of resolution and hope as the fire embraces the support of air, allowing for regeneration and growth.
“Flowers and Cities” juxtaposes the delicate beauty of flowers against the backdrop of bustling urban life. The poem captures the contrast between the natural elegance of roses, tulips, daisies, carnations, lilies, jasmines, and violets with the harshness of city life. The imagery of soft velvety petals, pure and bright colours, and fragrances whispering amidst concrete creates a vivid picture of nature thriving amidst the urban chaos.
The poem also touches on the resilience of nature, as seen in the flowers’ ability to bloom despite the gritty streets and urban glare. However, it doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the bittersweet nature of this beauty, such as the painful beauty of pollen and the reminder of nature’s cruel ingenuity.
Through “Exam Fever”, the author captures the essence of the anxiety and pressure that students often experience during exam periods. The poem effectively conveys the racing thoughts, fear of forgetting studied material, and the constant worry about meeting expectations. It delves into the emotional turmoil of exam preparation, showcasing the mix of fear, worry, hope, and determination that students go through. This emotional depth makes the poem relatable to anyone who has experienced exam stress.
The use of imagery, such as “clock ticks on” and “weight of expectations,” paints a vivid picture of the pressure and passing time during exam preparation. The metaphor of drowning under expectations adds a layer of intensity to the feelings expressed.
Despite the anxiety portrayed, the poem ends on a note of resilience and determination. The speaker acknowledges their efforts and growth, expressing confidence in facing the exams.
The collection also has poems about places. One of such is about Las Vegas. Titled “A Secret Called Vegas”, it beautifully captures the allure and complexity of Las Vegas, known for its vibrant lights, extravagant entertainment, and the blending of various iconic elements from around the world. The poem effectively uses imagery and references to famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and the Bellagio fountains to create a vivid picture of the city’s unique atmosphere.
The contrast between the secrecy implied by the phrase “what happens in Vegas remains in Vegas” and the city’s flamboyant display of lights and attractions is compelling. The poem delves into the paradox of trying to keep secrets in a place designed to dazzle and captivate, where every corner seems to whisper tales of indulgence and extravagance.
The mention of the Venetian’s palatial halls, the allure of Paris, and the grandeur of Caesars’ palace adds depth to the portrayal of Vegas as a mirage, a larger-than-life fantasy world in the midst of the desert. The poem’s conclusion, with the speaker unable to contain the secrets of Vegas any longer while enjoying gelato, effectively conveys the irresistible charm and temptation the city embodies.
The last poem in the book is also about a place, this time, New York. Unlike the one about Las Vegas, this one titled ‘Who Cast A Spell?’ is critical of the city. It reflects a critical view of New York City’s current state, juxtaposing its past grandeur with present-day challenges. The poem uses imagery to portray the contrast between the glamorous image of New York City and its grim realities. Phrases like “squalid streets and dingy subways” and “Lady Liberty silently weeps” create vivid scenes in the reader’s mind. There is a strong emotional tone throughout the poem, especially evident in lines like “silently weeps for your slip” and “pray this spell shatters like confetti.” These lines evoke a sense of concern, sadness, and hope for change. The poem serves as a social commentary on various issues plaguing the city, such as crime, decay, and political turmoil. It highlights the contrast between the city’s historical identity as a sanctuary and its current struggles with lawlessness and decay.
The poem flows smoothly, with well-structured stanzas that build upon each other to convey the poet’s message effectively. The use of repetition, as seen in the refrain “New York, my New York,” adds to the poem’s rhythm and emphasis.
All in all, Abby Kesington has delivered a collection that will resonate with millions and she has done so in a language that hums.
