Desperate

By Kawsar Ahamed
 

Tears in my eyes, but not dropping down,
Because they’re stuck — like the moon.
I’m desperate, I’m tired, no energy to rise,
No hope to move on, but dreams to chase.

Hustling through life just to survive 

Born in poverty, but still alive.

Countless days and nights without rice

Sleepless nights, no peace in sight.

I still remember, on the rooftop, wandering at night —

No room for me to lay; strangers stared at me like a ghost.

I realized how long a night can be, how cruel it can be,

An unrested mind, a weak body, struggling to survive.

I’m desperate with my life, burdened with sorrows,

To whom should I complain for these, for my fate?

I’ve done so many unwanted jobs to feed myself — 

A meager amount I could make to survive.

At a young age, a burdened mind,

The world feels dark, no light to find.

Failed every step due to lack of some rain,

Crying in silence, not making my family proud again.

I dropped out of my studies multiple times —
I had no fees to pay for sitting for the exams.
No time to sit in the class, no chance to do other tasks,
Because I had to work—work for life, just to survive.

But I always prayed to God, “Find me a way to overcome my struggles.”
I just wanna complete my study — it’s the only option to escape poverty.
Miraculously, yet sadly, God blessed me with what I wanted in life.
Sooner or later, I got everything I wished for in my dream.

I have dreams to fulfill, to make my future bright,
Though there’s no one to guide me, no one in sight.
There’s no one to support, no hand to hold,
Just a solo journey in this harsh world, cold.

But I’ve kept promises deep within myself,
No matter what, I gotta make it happen — no one else.
Not only for my parents, who gave all they could,
But for my next generation to rise where I once stood.

Though I’m desperate, I know I must struggle more,

I cannot give up — I need strength, I need more.

With tired hands and a burning soul,

I’ll keep moving forward to reach my goal.

Summary of ” Desperate”

This poem tells the real-life story of a young person born into deep poverty, who faces endless hardships while trying to survive and succeed. The speaker describes growing up without food, a proper place to sleep, or support from anyone. Despite dropping out of school multiple times and working from a young age just to survive, the speaker never gives up on his dream of getting an education and building a better life. Through all the struggles, the speaker remains determined to create a brighter future—not just for himself, but also for his family and the next generation. The poem is a deeply emotional and inspiring journey of pain, faith, and personal strength.

Literary Analysis  :

The speaker of the poem shares a deeply personal and emotional account of his life. The poem begins with a strong image: “Tears in my eyes, but not dropping down, because they’re stuck — like the moon.” This metaphor shows how the speaker hides their pain and keeps it inside, just like the moon stays in the sky—visible, yet out of reach.

Throughout the poem, the speaker uses clear and honest language to describe his struggles. The tone is raw and emotional, which helps readers connect with the speaker’s experiences. The poem talks about sleepless nights, hunger, and having no one to turn to. Yet, even in this darkness, the speaker holds on to hope.

The most powerful message of the poem is the speaker’s unbreakable will. Even when he had no money, no support, and no strength left, they kept going. He prayed, worked, and pushed forward with one goal: to finish his studies and escape poverty.

Themes:

• Poverty and Hardship: The poem clearly shows the pain of living in poverty and the daily struggle to survive.

• Hope and Determination: Even when things seem hopeless, the speaker continues to dream and work toward a better future.

• Loneliness: The speaker often feels alone, without help or guidance, but learns to rely on himself.

• Education as a Way Out: The speaker believes education is the only path to a better life.

• Responsibility and Legacy: The speaker is motivated not only for personal success but to uplift his parents and future children.

Literary Devices:

• Metaphor: “Tears… like the moon” shows silent pain that stays hidden but never goes away.

• Imagery: Scenes like “wandering at night on the rooftop” create vivid pictures of the speaker’s lonely and hard life.

• Symbolism: The “rain” symbolizes missed opportunities or help that never came.

• Repetition: Words like “to survive” highlight how basic survival was the main goal for a long time.

• Tone: The tone shifts from despair to hope, reflecting the emotional journey of the speaker.

Conclusion:

This poem gives readers a moving and honest look into the life of someone who has faced extreme difficulties but never gave up. The speaker’s story is not just about struggle—it’s about courage, faith, and the dream of a better tomorrow. It’s a reminder that with enough strength and hope, even the toughest life can lead to something brighter.

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