New Loneliness
Echoes of Solitude: Sarah Harmer's Reflection on Loss
Lyrics
There is just one apple on the tree
There is only one remaining opportunity or option, represented by the apple on the tree.
It isn't like I hoped it'd be
The situation is not as expected or desired.
Yesterday when there was still you
Referring to a past time when the narrator was with someone (now absent).
I looked and I swear that I saw two
Despite the absence, the narrator perceives a doubled presence, possibly an illusion or wishful thinking.
Maybe a wandering white-tailed deer
Suggesting a natural occurrence, like a deer, may have influenced the change.
Came in the night to make it even more clear
The presence of the deer is emphasized, making the situation clearer.
And left me just one, a Spartan no less
Only one apple remains, described as a Spartan (minimalistic), symbolizing the narrator's solitude.
To remind me of my new loneliness
Reflecting on and acknowledging the new sense of loneliness.
There is just one oar leaning against the wall
There is only one oar, suggesting a lack of a partner for a shared activity.
What of our plans for paddles in the Fall?
Questioning the unfulfilled plans for shared experiences in the Fall.
With the reeds grown high in a winding maze
Describing the environment where the plans were supposed to take place.
We were to follow old waterways
Referencing the intention to navigate old waterways together.
Maybe a hovering dragonfly
Suggesting a possible observer (dragonfly) witnessing the unfulfilled plans.
Will rest on a cattail and wonder why
Highlighting the absence of activity or noise at the shore.
There is no clamouring at the shore
Emphasizing the loneliness of being in a canoe with only one oar.
Of two in a canoe with each an oar
(Empty line)
There is just one pillow on the bed
Describing the singularity of the presence in the bed, indicating the absence of a partner.
Where a solitary someone lays her head
Depicting a person laying alone in bed.
And a stack of books meant to be read aloud
Highlighting unread books intended for shared enjoyment.
Closed and dusty, awaiting a crowd
Books are closed and dusty, waiting for a nonexistent audience.
Maybe a spider in a high corner
Introducing a spider as an observer, possibly symbolizing patience in waiting for the return of shared moments.
Keeps his tiny eye on the still mourner
Suggesting a constant watchfulness of the mourner by an outsider.
And waits for the other to slip under the cover
The spider awaits the return of the absent partner to the shared space.
And relight the dark candle lit between lovers
Describing a scene of intimacy between lovers, now lost.
And replay the melody made by two lovers
Expressing a desire to relive the shared moments and the music created by two lovers.
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