Yesterday upon the stair I met a man who wasn’t there He…
““Yesterday upon the stair I met a man who wasn’t there He wasn’t there again today Oh, how I wish he’d go away When I came home last night at three The man was waiting there for me But when I looked around the hall I couldn’t see him there at all! Go away, go away, don’t you come back any more! Go away, go away, and please don’t slam the door Last night I saw upon the stair A little man who wasn’t there He wasn’t there again today Oh, how I wish he’d go away Antigonish (1899) ””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A persistent, unseen presence haunts the narrator, reflecting anxiety and the desire to banish intrusive thoughts.
In simple terms: Invisible worries linger.
Key Takeaway
Address and release mental intrusions.
Themes
anxiety
perception
loneliness
Mood
uneasy
thoughtful
Type
poetic
reflective
When to use this quote
- nighttime thoughts
- creative blocks
- social anxiety
- overcoming obsession
Key Concepts
psychology
mindfulness
unseen fears
Questions to Reflect On
- What “unseen” worries occupy your mind?
- How can you confront them?
A Different Perspective
The poem’s supernatural tone may obscure practical coping strategies.