Poem Sad I Ams (Form 1) : Meaning
Stanza One
Line Line
no.
1
I am
Interpretation
2
the ring
3
from an empty Cola can
4
5
the scrapings
6
the severed arm
7
of last
Man.
from
an
porridge pan
The persona thinks/feels thathe is
like…
The ring of a can whichpeople always
throw after opening the can before
drinking
unwashed
year’s
Action
Stanza Two
Line Line
no.
1
I am
The broken arm of a toy (called Action
Man) which wasbought/used last year.
Interpretation
The persona thinks/feels thathe is
like…
The envelope which cannot be used
because the glue is not sticky
is anymore
2
3
the envelope
4
the Sellotape
5
where you can’t find the
end
6
the toothless
stapler,
springless bulldog clip
7
the dried-up liquid paper
8
that mars
mends
on which
gone
The food that is stuck at the bottom of
a
pan
which
people
scrape
off/remove before
washing the pan
the gum
instead
of
The cellophane
tape that
angers/annoys/
Irritates people because theycannot
find the end of it
The
things
that
anger/annoy/irritate people such as a
stapler that has no bullets/staples in it
or a clip that has no spring/grip, so
they are useless when people
need them
The liquid paper that cannot be used
anymore because it has dried up. It
smudges/dirties the paper (mars) than
it helps (mends)
to erase/correct the mistake
9
the stamped addressed
reply
10
that you forgot
11
to send.
Stanza Three
Line Line
no.
1
I am
The letter (as a reply to someone)
which you already wrote the address
and put a stamp on, but sadly you
forgot
to post it!
Interpretation
The persona thinks/feels thathe is
like…
The battery that cannot be
charged at all, so it is nowuseless
2
the battery in which no
charge is left
3
the starter motor which
remains inert
4
the tyre on which thetread The tyre that is already worn out and
dangerous to be used, so it has to be
is worn
replaced
with a new one
5
the sparking plug which
shows no sign of spark
the carburettor chokedby
bits and dirt
6
7
the chromium trim from
which the shine has
gone.
Stanza Four
Line Line
no.
1
I am
2
a garden
3
4
overgrown with weeds
5
that no one ever reads
6
a stray
7
that no one thinks tofeed
8
the piece of good advice
9
which no one seems to
need.
a library book
The motor/engine that has nopower
The sparking plug that doesnot work
The
carburettor
cannot
function because it is filled
with dirt and dust
The metal plating that is nolonger
shiny.
Interpretation
The persona thinks/feels thathe is
like…
A garden which is neglected(not
being taken care of)
A book in the library
nobody
is
interested
borrow/read
that
to
A stray animal that is not beinggiven
food by anybody
An advice which is very good
but nobody wants to follow it.
Themes, Moral Values, Moral Lessons
THEMES :

Sadness

Self-pity

Loneliness
MORAL VALUES :

Confidence

Determination

Positive attitude

Courage

Appreciation

Gratitude
MORAL LESSONS :
Self-confidence is the key to personal success

We must be determined to improve ourselves for the better

Always try to be positive in life

Be brave/courageous in everything we do

Appreciate what we have

Appreciate others

Be grateful to God for His blessings

FOCUS on FEELINGS:

STANZA 1 : feeling unwanted

STANZA 2 : feeling useless

STANZA 3 : feeling old

STANZA 4 : feeling neglected
Note :

The title ‘Sad I Ams’ tells us that the whole poem is about the
overall feeling of sadness.

I Ams is used because ‘I am’ is the beginning of every stanza –
used FOUR times in the poem.