![[antigonish1.webp]] ### Reflections on the Poem *Antigonish* by William Hughes Mearns #### The Poem: *Antigonish* by William Hughes Mearns As I was going up the stair I met a man who wasn’t there! He wasn’t there again today, Oh, how I wish he’d go away! When I came home last night at three The man was waiting there for me But when I looked around the hall I couldn’t see him there at all! Go away, go away, don’t you come back any more! Go away, go away, and please don’t slam the door... Last night I saw upon the stair A little man who wasn’t there He wasn’t there again today Oh, how I wish he’d go away – William Hughes Mearns (1899) --- #### Reflection on *Antigonish* William Hughes Mearns’ poem *Antigonish*, commonly referred to as "The Little Man Who Wasn't There," has intrigued and mystified readers since it was first published in 1899. Its haunting lines and repetitive structure create a sense of unease and mystery that captures the imagination. Despite its simplicity, the poem leaves a lasting impression, inviting readers to ponder its deeper meanings and how they relate to the human experience, especially in the context of modern life. At first glance, *Antigonish* may appear to be a whimsical and eerie tale about encountering a ghost or an invisible man. The narrator describes meeting someone on the stairs who seemingly isn’t there. This presence is both elusive and persistent, appearing at different times yet never fully materializing. The lines "He wasn’t there again today, / Oh, how I wish he’d go away!" suggest a recurring, unwanted encounter, highlighting the paradox of a presence that is felt but not seen. This paradox is central to the poem's intrigue. #### Exploring the Meaning The poem can be interpreted in various ways. On a surface level, it might seem like a ghost story, playing on the human fear of the unknown and the unseen. The figure’s elusive nature hints at supernatural elements, bringing to mind haunted houses and restless spirits. However, digging deeper, the poem can be seen as a metaphor for the psychological struggles that people often face—anxiety, guilt, fear, or the lingering effects of past trauma. The "man who wasn’t there" could symbolize the internal battles that individuals grapple with, the thoughts and emotions that haunt them even when they are not physically manifested. It may represent feelings of guilt, unresolved conflicts, or anxieties that persist despite their invisibility to others. The narrator’s plea for the figure to go away could reflect the desire to escape these mental burdens, yet the man's return shows how difficult it is to rid oneself of such intangible concerns. #### Application in Modern Life In our fast-paced, often stressful world, the poem *Antigonish* resonates deeply. Many people today experience the invisible man in their own lives—those nagging thoughts that won't go away, the pressures of modern existence, or the mental health issues that can feel like an unseen presence, always lurking in the background. Despite the absence of a visible threat, the impact is real, much like the invisible man in the poem. Modern life, with its constant connectivity and pressures, often leaves little room for introspection or addressing underlying issues. The invisible man can symbolize the hidden aspects of our mental health that we push aside or fail to acknowledge. The poem subtly nudges readers to confront these invisible presences instead of ignoring them. By acknowledging their existence, we can start to understand and address them, perhaps finding ways to make them "go away" or at least diminish their power over us. #### Conclusion *Antigonish* by William Hughes Mearns is a timeless piece that goes beyond its seemingly simple narrative. It reflects on the nature of unseen fears and internal struggles, making it relevant across ages and generations. In modern life, where mental health is becoming an increasingly important topic of discussion, this poem serves as a poignant reminder of the invisible challenges many face. By understanding and acknowledging these “men who aren’t there,” we can work towards a more mindful and mentally healthy existence, facing our fears head-on instead of allowing them to haunt us from the shadows. As we move through the complexities of modern life, perhaps we can find comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our encounters with the invisible and that, with time and effort, even the most persistent presences can find their way out of our minds and lives. - [[Invictus by William Ernest Henley]] - [[Hokum - The Charm of Nonsense]] - [[Comedy]] - [[Ichabod-The Vanishing Glory — A Historical and Scholarly Exploration]] - [[Stoicism]] - [[Snark - The Art of Sharp Wit]] - [[The Concept of “Meh”]] - [[Understanding T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land"]] - [[John Milton-The Voice of the Blind Seer and Defender of Liberty]] - [[Musonius Rufus-The Roman Socrates and the Ethics of Endurance]] - [[Home]] ◦ [[About]]