Poem Analysis - Feelings

Introduction: An Undeniable, Internal Pain

Spike Milligan's "Feelings" is a short, sharp exploration of emotional pain inflicted by another person. The poem's tone begins with a sense of wounded disbelief, quickly escalating into a feeling of horrified entrapment. Milligan masterfully conveys the invisible nature of deep emotional injury, contrasting it with the expected physical manifestations of hurt. The poem's brevity amplifies its impact, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of unease and the unsettling image of living death.

The Invisible Wound: Absence of Physicality

One of the central themes in "Feelings" is the contrast between physical and emotional pain. The opening lines, "There must be a wound! / No one can be this hurt / and not bleed," immediately establish this dichotomy. The speaker expects visible signs of injury – blood – to match the intensity of their suffering. However, the following lines reveal the absence of such evidence: "How could she injure me so? / No marks / No bruise." This absence highlights the insidious nature of emotional damage, which can be profound and debilitating, yet leave no external trace. It is an injury that goes unseen by others, amplifying the speaker's sense of isolation.

Mummification: Alive but Lifeless

The theme of entrapment and living death is powerfully developed through the poem's final image of mummification. The phrase "She's mummified me - / ALIVE!" is a stark and disturbing metaphor. It suggests that the "she" in the poem has not simply hurt the speaker, but has essentially robbed them of their vitality and freedom, encasing them in a state of suspended animation. The irony of being alive yet mummified underscores the depth of the emotional paralysis the speaker feels. They are present in body, but their spirit is bound and decaying. This metaphor conveys a powerful sense of being trapped within oneself, unable to escape the emotional consequences of the other person's actions.

The Mask of Wellness: Isolation Amplified

The seemingly innocuous comment, "People say 'My, you're looking well'," acts as a recurring and deeply ironic image that contributes to the theme of isolation and misunderstanding. This line highlights the disconnect between the speaker's internal state and their outward appearance. While they are suffering immensely, others perceive them as healthy and thriving. This disconnect further isolates the speaker, as their pain remains invisible and unacknowledged. The exclamation ".....God help me!" underscores the speaker's desperation and the feeling of being utterly alone in their suffering. They are forced to maintain a facade of well-being while internally crumbling.

Conclusion: The Quiet Horror of Emotional Pain

"Feelings" is a poignant exploration of the often-invisible wounds inflicted by emotional pain. Milligan's masterful use of imagery and tone effectively conveys the themes of unseen injury, entrapment, and isolation. The poem's strength lies in its ability to capture the feeling of profound suffering that can exist beneath a surface of apparent normalcy. The final image of being mummified alive leaves the reader with a chilling understanding of the destructive power of emotional damage and its potential to rob a person of their very essence, even while they continue to exist.