Shed

Whatever I shed
in the cause of
unburdening my life
from all that weighs
on my spirit, I will
never shed care
and love, for these are
weights of the kind
that build a life worth
living and make you
strong when difficulties
seem overwhelming.

I will shed my skin of
all that does not matter,
like a snake that is reborn
after losing the weight of
its old and worn hide,
but I will not remove the beating
heart and the blood that lies within.

Generative AI interpretation

This poem reflects a profound personal journey of letting go and self-renewal. It speaks to the universal experience of shedding unnecessary burdens to focus on what truly matters in life. The speaker commits to unburdening themselves from the heaviness that dims their spirit, yet they make a poignant declaration to never relinquish care and love. These elements are portrayed as the essential weights that give life its worth and provide strength in the face of adversity.

The imagery of shedding skin, likened to a snake’s rebirth, symbolizes transformation and the shedding of the past. It’s a powerful metaphor for personal growth and the renewal of self. This act of shedding represents a deliberate removal of all that is no longer needed, all that hinders progress, or all that obscures the individual’s true essence. It’s an act of purification and preparation for a new phase of existence.

However, amidst this process of transformation, the speaker holds steadfast to their core, the “beating heart and the blood that lies within.” This line signifies the preservation of essential qualities and values, even as one undergoes significant change. The heart and blood symbolize life, vitality, and the fundamental aspects of one’s identity that remain constant despite external changes. They are the non-negotiable parts of self, the aspects of identity too precious to be cast aside.

Overall, the poem is a declaration of resilience and focused transformation. It acknowledges the necessity of sometimes letting go of the old to make way for the new, while also understanding the importance of maintaining one’s core values and loves. It’s a message of balance — recognizing which weights drag us down and which ones anchor us firmly to our truest selves. In doing so, the poem resonates with anyone on the path of self-discovery and personal evolution, reminding readers of the importance of discernment and the preservation of love and care as guiding principles through life’s journey.

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