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You know the parlor trick. wrap your arms around your own…

“You know the parlor trick. wrap your arms around your own body and from the back it looks like someone is embracing you her hands grasping your shirt her fingernails teasing your neck from the front it is another story you never looked so alone your crossed elbows and screwy grin you could be…” quote by Billy Collins
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““You know the parlor trick. wrap your arms around your own body and from the back it looks like someone is embracing you her hands grasping your shirt her fingernails teasing your neck from the front it is another story you never looked so alone your crossed elbows and screwy grin you could be waiting for a tailor to fit you with a straight jacket one that would hold you really tight.””

Billy Collins

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The poem juxtaposes self‑comfort with isolation, using a physical metaphor to explore loneliness and self‑delusion.

In simple terms: Self‑comfort can mask feeling alone.

Key Takeaway

Recognize true emotional needs.

Themes

loneliness self‑perception comfort illusion

Mood

reflective introspective

Type

poetry literary

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • mental health
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

self‑hug body metaphor psychological coping

Questions to Reflect On

  • When do you use physical gestures to hide loneliness?
  • How does self‑hug affect your mood?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may oversimplify complex emotional states.

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