For Every One

“A poem in form only, a letter written in parts, an offering that I’ve now been working on for years. A thing.”

Reynolds illustrates the uncertainty inherent in pursuing dreams and navigating the path of self-discovery. This is mirrored in the creative process itself, where the journey toward achieving one’s goals often begins without a distinct path or predefined outcome. The above quote sheds light on the unconventional structure of the verse novel. Reynolds’s work is “[a] poem in form only, a letter written in parts,” or a mix of various literary forms. The blending of poetic expression with epistolary elements mirrors the complexity of Reynolds’s endeavor, and the intricacies of pursuing dreams and self-realization. By labeling his creation as “[a] thing,” Reynolds acknowledges the ambiguity and fluidity of the creative process.

“People in my family, the ‘responsibles,’ whom I argued and disagreed with, never knew that I could see that the remnants of this same kind of meltdown that may have happened to them forty years prior were still there, hiding beneath their tongues.”

The term “responsibles” denotes individuals who claim to have abandoned their dreams or deny their existence, likely due to life pressures or societal expectations. Reynolds argues that remnants of these aspirations persist, concealed beneath the surface. The phrase “hiding beneath their tongues” illustrates how unfulfilled dreams remain unspoken and concealed but still exist. The word “hiding” personifies dreams, lending them a sentient quality. Reynolds hints that dreams are not easily extinguished; they linger within individuals, hidden but enduring. This echoes the idea that The Pursuit of Dreams is an ongoing journey, irrespective of whether one’s aspirations are acknowledged or pursued actively. The unearthing and acknowledgment of concealed dreams might be a catalyst for transformative self-discovery and growth.

“It was as if their imaginations had been seat belted, kept safe from accidents.”

The above line describes stifled imagination and the weight of societal pressures on young individuals. Reynolds personifies imagination, giving it tactile qualities, the ability to be “seat belted.” The weight of societal expectations may hinder teenagers and prevent them from dreaming big or pursuing unconventional paths, trapping them within predefined boundaries and norms. Reynolds highlights the struggle faced by dreamers who might get overthrown and overwhelmed by societal pressure. The seatbelt implies a protective mechanism, intended to safeguard young people from potential risks or failures. While well-intended, it hinders imaginative freedom, limiting one’s ability to explore and grow.

“For me, a mighty, mighty thing.”

These lines encapsulate Reynolds’s personal journey in pursuing his dreams and the evolution of his perspective. At the outset, when he began writing, the endeavor seemed uncertain, daunting, and scary. However, over time, the act of writing evolved into something substantial, symbolizing Resilience Amid Life’s Challenges. Reynolds initially started writing to encourage and motivate himself, to push himself to continue despite his doubts and uncertainties. The phrase “[f]or me, a mighty, mighty thing” signifies the transformation of his writing into a meaningful endeavor. What began as an uncertain, daunting task evolved into an achievement—a testament to his perseverance, resilience, and growth. The line evokes The Transformative Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth as Reynolds navigates the challenges and uncertainties inherent in pursuing his dreams. His experience emphasizes the importance of starting, even when unsure, and persisting despite doubts.

“I HAVEN’T GONE THROUGH IT ALL

and come out on the other side

pinned with a

blue ribbon.”

Reynolds acknowledges that he has not reached the pinnacle of success or victory, depicted with the tactile image of not being “pinned with a blue ribbon.” By openly stating that he has not achieved ultimate success, he invites fellow dreamers to join him on his journey. Reynolds positions himself not as a sage or an expert who has overcome every obstacle, but as someone in the midst of pursuing his dreams.

“THE TRUTH IS

our dreams could be

as far away as forever

or as close as lunchtime.”

The above quote signifies the unpredictable and fluctuating nature of one’s aspirations. Uncertainty prompts the need for perseverance, as dreams might seem unattainable or surprisingly within reach at any moment. Reynolds speaks to the resilience required to pursue dreams despite the risk of failure.

“And them books

didn’t bandage my

fattened flat feet,

swollen from

this journey.”

Reynolds implies that predetermined paths and conventional guidance may not apply to everyone’s pursuit of dreams. Instead, he hints that it is necessary for each individual to venture forth on their own unique journey, laden with distinct lessons and experiences. He implies that prescribed advice—“them books”— might not address the intricate emotional and personal complexities inherent in chasing one’s dreams. He portrays the limitations of external sources and advocates for dreamers to recognize the value of individual journeys, where personal experiences and self-discovered lessons are integral components of the pursuit.

“We are a bunch of

exhausted stragglers,

exalted strugglers,

disciples of the dreamers who

came before us.”

Reynolds encapsulates the spirit and tenacity of dreamers by addressing them as “exhausted stragglers,” “exalted strugglers,” and “disciples of the dreamers.” The terms “stragglers” and “strugglers” highlight the difficulties and obstacles faced by individuals when pursuing their dreams. By referring to dreamers as “disciples,” Reynolds acknowledges lineage and the influence and inspiration drawn from those who have dared to dream, emphasizing the continuity of dreams across generations. The notion that dreaming is an intrinsic part of humanity, regardless of ethnicity or era, reinforces the idea that dreams are fundamental to the human experience. This unites dreamers across time and cultures, underscoring the resilience, shared struggles, and enduring spirit of those who pursue their aspirations.

“Sounds like a prison

revolt

that only you

can hear

and feel.”

Reynolds encapsulates the internal struggle faced by individuals stifling their dreams. He uses a simile, where something is compared to something else using “like” or “as.” In this case, he likens repressed dreams to “a prison revolt” that resounds within oneself. This illustrates the persistent and tumultuous nature of unfulfilled aspirations. Despite appearances of placidity, an internal rebellion persists. Unfulfilled dreams, Reynolds suggests, cause intense inner turmoil; the struggle is deeply personal.

“There is

NOTHING SCARIER

than

NOTHING.”

Reynolds fears emptiness and purposelessness above all else. The above quote underscores his revulsion of a life stripped of significance or direction. He dreads a life without purpose or aspiration, urging dreamers to persist. This line underscores the importance of passion and curiosity, and how their absence creates a daunting void.

“JUMP ANYWAY.”

These two words encapsulate the essence of Reynolds’s message to his fellow dreamers and to himself, and an unwavering determination to leap forward despite challenges and uncertainties. Reynolds advocates for resilience. He emphasizes that even in the face of significant obstacles, fears, and doubts, individuals must take the leap. The journey toward fulfilling one’s dreams is neither easy nor guaranteed, yet it’s imperative to take the necessary steps. “JUMP ANYWAY” echoes the transformative journey of self-discovery—bold actions, even amid uncertainties, pave the way for personal growth, allowing individuals to confront their fears and discover their true potential.

“Dreams don’t have timelines,

deadlines,

and aren’t always in

straight lines.”

The above quote reflects the nuanced nature of aspirations. Reynolds emphasizes their nonlinear trajectory, devoid of set schedules or predictable paths. Achieving one’s dreams often involves overcoming unforeseen obstacles and navigating diverse routes. Personal growth and self-discovery are continuous, ever-evolving processes rather than rigid, linear paths.

“The awkward angels

with crooked halos and

second-hand wings.”

This line celebrates the resilience and courage exhibited by individuals who persist in pursuing their dreams, even in the face of imperfections and limitations. It emphasizes the transformative nature of perseverance, suggesting that complications and difficulties should not deter individuals. Reynolds’s “crooked halos” and “second-hand wings” symbolize the unconventional paths and imperfect circumstances that many individuals encounter when pursuing their aspirations.

“THIS LETTER IS

FOR US ALL,

to remind us

that we are many.

That we are right

for trying.”

Reynolds summarizes the essence of his verse novel. He extends a message of solidarity and encouragement to dreamers navigating life’s challenges. The title For Every One echoes in this passage, underscoring the inclusivity of his message. Reynolds addresses the societal pressures and doubts that often undermine dreamers, offering reassurance that dreamers are valid and worthy. By highlighting a collective experience and emphasizing that there are many dreamers, Reynolds aims to provide a sense of community and empowerment. He urges individuals not to let naysayers deter them from their pursuit of dreams.

“When it comes to

my dream,

the way I like to describe it

is that

it’s a rabid beast

that found me

when I was young.”

Reynolds portrays his dream as a “rabid beast” that discovered him in his youth, illustrating the intensity of his aspirations. He suggests that the pursuit of dreams can be a force that seizes individuals unexpectedly, igniting within them an unrelenting passion and drive. The image of a “rabid beast” implies that Reynolds’s dream is not a choice but an innate part of his being. The world had not yet dampened his fervor and passion. As a child, expectations, worldly worries, and the weight of adult responsibilities were not holding him back.

“It bit me

and infected me,

but before

I could catch it,

it shot off into

the darkness.

Now I spend my life

searching for it,

hunting it down.”

Reynolds portrays the profound impact of a dream on an individual’s life. A dream is so potent that Reynolds personifies it with sentient qualities—the power to pursue, to bite, to infect. Once a dream is sparked within an individual, it becomes deeply ingrained in their being, affecting their thoughts, actions, and aspirations. The hunted becomes the hunter: “Now I spend my life / searching for it, / hunting it down.”

“I can smell it.

I can hear it.

SOMETIMES

I THINK I CAN

EVEN SEE IT.”

Reynolds experiences an intense connection to his dreams; he can smell, hear, and even see their presence. He is in tune with their essence, and feels an unwavering sense of optimism and determination in their proximity.

“I will keep looking

until I find that beast,

that thing that bit me

when I was young.”

Reynolds describes his ardent quest to uncover a part of himself, the part infected by the elusive “beast” that left a lasting mark on him. He is both searching for a dream and exploring a crucial aspect of his identity. His search for that beast beneath “heavy stones” and within “dark caves” conveys exhaustive efforts and unwavering determination. Reynolds’s relentless pursuit is not merely about fulfilling a dream but unraveling a fundamental aspect of his being. The journey itself is transformative, leading to personal growth.

“THE TRUTH IS,

finding that beast may

or may not happen.

But the treasures I’ve discovered under the

heavy stones

and behind the massive trees

and deep in the dark caves

have created the hunter

and the human

that I am.”

Reynolds acknowledges that realizing his aspirations is uncertain. He depicts the transformative nature of the journey through symbols: uncovering “treasures” hidden under “heavy stones,” concealed by “massive trees,” and “deep in the dark caves.” Achieving his dream is not guaranteed, as represented by the elusive “beast.” However, Reynolds suggests that the process of pursuing dreams, filled with challenges and discoveries, has contributed significantly to shaping his character. It is not solely about the end goal, but about personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery.

“Your dream is the mole

behind your ear,

that chip in your

front tooth,

your freckles.”

In the above quote, Reynolds uses metaphors, comparing dreams to distinctive physical traits. This signifies the intimate connection between one’s dreams and identity. Reynolds suggests that dreams are an essential component of individuality and selfhood. Understanding and pursuing one’s dreams are vital elements in the process of self-discovery and personal growth.

“It’s the thing that makes

you special,

but not the thing that makes

you great.”

Reynolds suggests that while dreams contribute to one’s uniqueness, they alone do not define greatness. Instead, he implies that greatness emerges from the pursuit of dreams. He emphasizes not just the importance of dreaming, but of courage, passion, and an active engagement with life’s experiences to achieve personal growth and true greatness.

“And if this letter means nothing to you,

if it’s just more pointless weight

added to an already heavy life,

feel free to burn it.”

Reynolds addresses those who might not find resonance or significance in his words. If his text is not useful, he gives readers permission to unburden themselves of it. The important thing is to embrace what one finds helpful—and to discard the rest.

“But if you somehow find truth,

comfort,

or anything at all

within this ramble,

keep it close

and use it for firelight

for this

long and often dark

road.”

Reynolds urges dreamers to treasure and cling onto any significance they discover within his words. He uses a metaphor, comparing his text with “firelight” and emphasizing the potential of his writing to serve as a guiding beacon. Reynolds recognizes that different readers might experience his words differently.