You: Structure & Language Techniques

“You” doesn’t have a strict, conventional structure. This structure mirrors the flow of memories – disjointed, without a set sequence.
The poem is devoid of distinct stanzas, forming a continuous narrative that allows for fluidity and spontaneity.
Uses of enjambed lines throughout the poem blurs the boundaries between distinct memories, maintaining a steady rhythm.
The poem begins with a reflection of the past (birth), journeys through shared experiences and ends with the speaker longing for the “you” in the present, creating a looping thread of longing that binds throughout.

Much of the language used is deliberately sensory and evocative, serving to create a strong emotive effect. There are descriptions of taste (“taste of apple”), sound (“hiss of the sea”) and touch (“slip of a child’s hand”).
The poem is replete with aqueous imagery (“sea”, “wave”, “bubble”, “rain”, “lake”), possibly symbolising the uncontainable, flowing and shape-shifting nature of love and memory.
Uses of similes and metaphors (“heart like a dove”) add a layer of poetic significance and elaborate emotional intensity.
The speaker relies on second-person (you) throughout, creating a direct, personal connection with the reader. This serves to heighten the intimacy of the poem and involve the reader in its emotion.
There is a consistent use of present tense which brings immediacy, though the speaker often switches to past tense when detailing memories, providing a strong sense of nostalgia.
The ellipsis towards the end of the poem suggests an incomplete thought or sentence. The speaker cannot fully express their feelings, indicating a deep loss that cannot be fully articulated in language.