The poem, "Life is learning how to live over and over again," is a reflective, meditative piece focusing on the themes of impermanence, vulnerability, resilience, and the cyclical nature of human existence. It echoes philosophies similar to mindfulness, suggesting that life is not a static achievement but a continuous, repetitive process of adaptation.

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1. Thematic Core: Life as a Perpetual Process

 

The poem immediately establishes life as a cyclical process ("over and over again"). It suggests that we are never truly "finished" learning how to exist; rather, we are constantly unlearning old ways and learning new ones.

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• "Letting go — inviting in": This refrain emphasizes the necessity of releasing the past, grief, or rigid expectations to make room for new experiences.
   

• "Open — shut — open": This highlights the fragility of the heart and mind, showing that closing oneself off is often a temporary protection mechanism before opening up again.

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2. Imagery and Structure: The Cycle of Experience

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The poet uses brief, stark antitheses (opposites) to represent the volatile, yet rhythmic, nature of life.

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• "Risk — mistake": The repetition implies that failure isn't the opposite of success, but an integral, repetitive part of living fully.
   

• "Uncover — recover": This suggests a process of revealing one's true self or vulnerabilities, followed by healing or regaining strength.
   

• "Hello — goodbye": A nod to the constant arrival and departure of people, phases, and moments.

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3. The Final Goal: Love and Self-Acceptance

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The poem concludes by refining its premise. Life isn't just about "living" (existence); it is about "loving."

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• "Whether a new or 'ever unchanging' someone": This acknowledges that love can be new, or it can be a constant, stable force.
   

• "Whether another or heart of our own": Crucially, the poet emphasizes that learning to love includes the difficult, essential work of self-love and self-acceptance.

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4. Tone and Style

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The tone is gentle, honest, and accepting. The use of dashes (―) creates pauses, mimicking a breath or a moment of reflection, which aligns with a mindful, present-moment approach to life. It's not a poem about reaching a destination, but rather about embracing the "loop" of life and finding peace within its instability.

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Summary

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This poem acts as a gentle reminder to release the pressure of having life "figured out." It advocates for emotional resilience — letting go of what no longer serves us, accepting the inevitability of mistakes, and continually choosing to open our hearts to love, both for others and for ourselves.