The Power of Hello: Free Verse Poem

Sometimes, a simple hello or hi
Is all it takes to bring some light 
Into the heart of one who's having a hard time
Who's almost giving up on life.

Sometimes, it's in the shared moments of silence 
When we don't utter a word or sentence
That we truly do offer our condolence
To that friend who's mourning a great loss and absence.

Sometimes, all that matters is our presence
That we show up at crucial moments
Not the gifts or lengthy texts
These little gestures are what make all the difference

Explanation of the power of Hello

This poem utilizes several literary devices to effectively convey its message about the power of small gestures and empathy. Let’s analyze them stanza by stanza:

Stanza 1:

• Metaphor: “Bring some light / Into the heart” – Light is used metaphorically to represent hope and comfort during a difficult time.
• Personification: “heart” – The heart is personified as something that can feel light or darkness.
• Repetition: “Sometimes” – Repetition emphasizes the importance of these seemingly small gestures, as they can have a significant impact at any time.

Stanza 2:

• Juxtaposition: “Shared moments of silence” is contrasted with “word or sentence” to highlight the power of unspoken empathy.
• Enjambment: The first line runs over to the second line, creating a smoother flow and emphasizing the concept of “shared moments of silence.”
• Consonance: The “s” sound is repeated in “silence,” “sentence,” and “condolence,” creating a sense of quiet solemnity.

Stanza 3:

• Anaphora: “Sometimes” – Repetition is used again to reinforce the importance of presence throughout the poem.
• Parallelism: “Not the gifts or lengthy texts” – The structure emphasizes the contrast between grand gestures and the value of simply being there.
• Assonance: The short “e” sound is repeated in “presence,” “crucial,” “moments,” and “difference,” creating a sense of urgency and importance.

Overall Tone and Theme:

The poem employs a conversational tone, making it feel relatable and sincere. The consistent use of “Sometimes” throughout creates a sense of universality, suggesting that these small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on anyone facing challenges.

The central theme of the poem is the power of human connection. It emphasizes that simply being present for someone going through a difficult time, even without words, can offer significant comfort and support. It encourages us to prioritize presence and small gestures over grand displays, as these acts of kindness can make a world of difference.

Click here to dive into more of my poetic journeys