This poem is an expression of one's attempt to find meaning or purpose as the case may be. In life, people are constantly plagued with the need to find their purpose and fulfill destiny. As this poem reveals, this is not for everyone. Not all would find this purpose. Some would indeed search for it and realize the search has been in futility. As with all poems, it is possible for a poem go have both literal and figurative meaning. A close look at this poem would reveal that the message could be directed to either an individual, a society or even a nation that fails to remedy a growing display of indifference or apathy caused by the inability to find their purpose of existence.
first stanza
In the first stanza, there is the underlying echo of emptiness. This is seen in the first line. 'A formation of skin', this implies an emptiness within. The succeeding lines validate the emptiness because the poet persona walks 'endlessly to find itself'. He undertakes a personal discovery journey to discover himself. Perhaps to see if the the formation of skin can be enriched with bones, flesh and blood. For effectiveness, he walks 'along shores and quiet roads/carrying heart with a heavy soul'. He avoids distractions found in congested areas and moves to solitary places for deep introspection. At the end of this stanza, we see that the persona is deeply troubled
second stanzaStanza 2 continues with this deep sense of total emptiness. This is seen in line 1: 'with nothing to feel'. The persona is then forced to live an imaginary life with no 'turning points/ nor twisting roads'. This is against the concept of life as we all know. Life is not a bed of roses. Life is full of thorns, twists, bends; in fact, these are what we call challenges. These challenges are what help to bring out the best in us just like fire brings out the finished gold after its processed. A life without challenges is an unrealistic life where everything happening is like a fairy tale or dream. The implication of this is that the persona is living an unrealistic life as a result of the nothingness he feels.
third stanza
In conclusion, this poem is a very deeply challenging poem that warns of the danger of not finding ones purpose on earth. It subtly encourages one not to find pleasure in living a life that is surreal because ones potential might not be fully realized. A surreal life too would leave the mind undeveloped. Now this is dangerous because all achievements begin from creative thoughts arising from the mind. This poem is therefore a wake up call to those who are yet to find their purpose on earth.