Question

Read the poem carefully and answer the questions that follows:

Sometimes I feel all thin inside 

Insufficient, small;

I feel when people look at me, 

They don't see me at all.

I feel that all my beauty's lost 

On cold, indifferent eyes 

And offering what I want to give 

Would only be unwise.

But then a friend will greet me.

And my inner life will bloom 

It only takes but one kind word 

To sweep away the gloom!

Questions:

(i) What does 'indifferent' mean?

(ii) What is this poem about ?

(iii) What does the poet feel sometimes ?

Answer 1

(i) Indifferent means having no particular interest, concern, or feeling toward something or someone. In this case, it refers to eyes that are not showing care or warmth, being unemotional or detached.

(ii) The poem reflects on feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and emotional vulnerability. The speaker describes moments when they feel small, invisible, and misunderstood by others. However, the poem also expresses the healing power of kindness and how a simple, positive interaction from a friend can restore a sense of self-worth and joy.

(iii) The poet sometimes feels insufficient, small, and invisible, as if people don’t really see them for who they are. They also feel that their beauty or worth is lost on others, and that offering their true self might be unwise in such situations.