“A Walk Alone” Through Four Poetic Lenses
One poem, written in 4 different styles
Here are four versions of the same poem, written by me for my free poetry Newsletter on Substack (the Newsletter is also called Poetry Genius). In these Newsletters, we discuss all aspects of poetry writing including hints and tips on how to improve in you poetic journey. If you are interested in getting my weekly letter, I have left a link at the foot of this article.
Dear Poetry Enthusiasts,
Welcome to this week’s edition of Poetry Genius, where we examine the art of verse and explore the nuances of poetic expression.
Today, we’re embarking on a fascinating journey through a single theme — “A Walk Alone” — as interpreted through the distinctive styles of four remarkable poets: Nayyirah Waheed, Warsan Shire, Ocean Vuong, and Tess Gallagher.
Each of these poets is known for their minimalist approach, yet they each bring a unique voice to their work.
Let’s briefly introduce our featured poets:
1. Nayyirah Waheed: Known for her short, impactful verses that often explore themes of identity, love, and self-empowerment.
2. Warsan Shire: A British-Somali poet whose work often touches on themes of femininity, migration, and trauma.
3. Ocean Vuong: A Vietnamese-American poet and novelist whose lyrical style often addresses themes of family, identity, and the immigrant experience.
4. Tess Gallagher: An American poet known for her conversational style and exploration of love, loss, and nature.
In this newsletter, we’ll present four versions of the same poem, “A Walk Alone,” each written in the style of one of these poets. As you read, consider how each poet’s unique voice and perspective shapes the same concept. Notice the subtle differences in imagery, rhythm, and emotional resonance.
Let’s go:
This poem attempts to capture the essence of a solitary woodland walk using minimal punctuation, short lines, and evocative imagery, which are characteristic of Nayyirah Waheed’s style. It focuses on the sensory experience and emotional connection to nature, exploring themes of solitude, belonging, and self-discovery.
1. A Walk Alone (style of Nayyirah Waheed)
quiet steps.
leaves whisper secrets
to my skin.
alone, yet surrounded.
tree spirits
breathe with me.
sunlight filters,
paints shadows
on my path.
here,
i am both lost
and found.
nature’s embrace,
a wordless song
in my bones.
2. A Walk Alone (style Warsan Shire)
The city swallows my footsteps,
concrete teeth grinding my solitude.
I carry my homeland in my pocket,
a crumpled map of places I can’t return to.
Streetlights flicker like dying stars,
guiding me through this urban wilderness.
My shadow stretches, reaching for companionship,
finding only the cold embrace of empty storefronts.
In this moment, I am no one’s daughter,
no one’s lover, no one’s friend.
Just a traveler in a foreign skin,
learning to breathe in a language of loneliness.
3. A Walk Alone (style Ocean Vuong)
Night folds itself around me like a secondhand coat.
I count my breaths, each one a small rebellion
against the silence. Somewhere, a dog barks —
the sound ripples through me like a stone in still water.
I think of my mother’s hands, how they shaped the world
into something bearable. Now, I shape my own path,
feet pressing memories into asphalt.
The moon hangs low, a ripe fruit I long to pluck
and press to my lips. Instead, I whisper your name
to the shadows, watch it dissipate like smoke.
This solitude — heavy as inheritance, light as leaving.
4. A Walk Alone (style Tess Gallagher)
The evening softens its edges,
blurring the line between sky and earth.
I walk, each step a quiet affirmation
of my own existence. Trees stand sentinel,
their branches reaching out like old friends.
I remember laughter shared over coffee,
the warmth of hands not my own.
Now, I carry that warmth inside,
a ember glowing in the hollow of my chest.
The path winds on, inviting and indifferent.
I follow, knowing that solitude
is just another word for possibility.
As we compare these four interpretations, we can see how each poet’s distinct style brings different aspects of solitude to the forefront.
Waheed’s version might focus on raw emotion and self-reflection, while Shire’s could explore the intersection of personal and cultural isolation. Vuong’s take might delve into sensory details and memory, and Gallagher’s could emphasize the relationship between the solitary figure and the natural world.
We invite you to reflect on these poems and share your thoughts. To guide your reflection, consider the following questions:
1. Which version resonated with you the most, and why?
2. How does each poet’s style affect the mood and tone of the poem?
3. What unique imagery or metaphors stood out to you in each version?
4. How does each poet’s background potentially influence their interpretation of solitude?
5. If you were to write your own version of “A Walk Alone,” which elements from these styles might you incorporate?
We look forward to reading your insights in the comments section. Your perspectives enrich our community’s understanding and appreciation of poetry.
Until next week, keep reading, writing, and exploring the vast world of verse!
Yours in poetry,
Tom Kane
Poetry Genius
