Dennis Johnson critique of Still the Same by Nikki Selbet

My overall impression of the poem “Still the Same” is as pleasant as the tone the author used in writing this piece. It was original honest, comprehensive, coherent and expressive. The rhythm was fast. One word to an average of three word sentences filled the page, about the hope a young lady has with a boyfriend that never shows up. The poem reaches out from love to an observer when her determination to stick it out is so strong, that she ends up looking at the stop light. The scene- at the coffee shop. That’s great for the mental visual effect. The poem works well with metaphors and smiles to fluff out an abstract appeal. It’s sensible and as a reader I feel empathetic for the whole ordeal. The word choice was mundane intentionally to create that thought pattern of nothing changes in this lost hope. My only suggestion is she could have used quotes. For example there is a lines like –“No call No reply” “You promise you’d met me” could have been heightened a little if they were quoted. I like the energy of the poem especially the ending. My favorite line “And still the light keeps changing was set up perfectly and hit home. I’m really unfamiliar with the structure of the poem. If I had to guest, I would go with bold assertion. Whatever it is, it goes hand and hand with the content. They truly complement one another. I also that the content is not really an enthusiastic one, but I didn’t really feel upset about any of it. I think it is partially because the writer has the wherewithal to accept the obvious pattern forming behavior of this guy not showing. She actually hints as if she expects it. Not really a total disappointment for you, if you know what I mean. She apparently deals with it by writing this poem. “But I’ll keep waiting indicates she is still in the moment, and “I know you’re not coming” pretty much sums it as well as solidifies the intentions of all parties involved.  I will just add this in as a moot point. If the author really deals with heart ache so gratefully then, it its rare, but I actually can picture you with that level acceptance. On the other hand, and I seriously doubt this was the case; but if you did get pissed off even just a little, or it hurt you a little more than you want to acknowledge, acknowledge it anyway. Trust me your audience will find over reaction easier to comprehend then graceful reactions. I enjoyed reading it several times and analyzing it was a piece of cake.