For Every One

Reynolds emphasizes the visceral experience of possessing an unrelenting dream. He describes it as a persistent, almost intrusive force, likening it to a “spirit thing” scraping a “metal mug / across your rib cage” (37). It evokes a discomforting yet compelling sensation, and echoes the inner turmoil and unrest caused by unfulfilled ambition. Reynolds suggests that dreams are uncontainable and cannot be restrained or subdued.

Reynolds uses a metaphor, comparing the experience of having a dream to a “prison / revolt” (37). The dreamer exclusively perceives this rebellion, underscoring its isolating and consuming nature. The metaphor echoes the dichotomy between the “responsibles” and the “dreamers,” conveying the dreamer’s feeling of entrapment in a world dictated by conformity. Dreams, as disruptive elements, signify defiance against established structures. The prison guard represents the inhibitions and constraints individuals impose on themselves and perceive in others, highlighting the oppressive nature of societal norms, expectations, and personal fears. In this way, Reynolds illustrates the existential conflict between personal aspirations and external pressures.

Toward the chapter’s end, Reynolds highlights the inevitable and compelling nature of dreams. Reynolds dismisses various reasons against pursuing one’s aspirations, such as fear of failure, self-doubt, and lack of expertise. He uses another metaphor to describe the compelling nature of a dream; akin to “a colicky / infant,” it exerts an irresistible pull on the dreamer” (49). This evokes the image of an incessantly crying and demanding entity that requires constant attention and nurturing, and emphasizes the persistent and insatiable nature of dreams.

Reynolds suggests that there is a symbiotic relationship between dreams and dreamers, one that entails a mutual exchange of nourishment and sustenance. Reynolds invests all his resources, energy, and passion into nurturing the dream, indicating deep commitment and dedication. In return, the dream provides him with fulfillment, purpose, and possibly inspiration.

Reynolds argues that inaction is worse than reaching for a dream and failing: “To me, / there is / NOTHING SCARIER / than / NOTHING” (43). He believes that inner conflict, expressed as the “loud knocking / on the door” (45), is superior to a sense of stagnation. Above all, he fears a life devoid of meaning or purpose. In existential philosophy, the concept of “nothingness” refers to the absence of inherent meaning or prescribed purpose in life. In Reynolds’s text there is a subtle difference, with “nothingness” also capturing the meaning that individuals ascribe to their own life. Overall though, Reynolds’s text aligns with existentialism, which emphasizes the importance of grappling with internal conflict, questioning existence, and engaging in introspection to seek meaning and authenticity. The preference for inner turmoil signifies a desire to engage with the complexities of existence rather than succumb to a stagnant, unexamined life.

Reynolds alludes to the complex emotional and psychological terrain individuals navigate when driven by powerful ambitions, and the importance of Resilience Amid Life’s Challenges. These verses convey the emotional depth and internal struggles associated with pursuing and preserving one’s aspirations amid societal expectations and personal inhibitions. By addressing the reader as a fellow dreamer, Reynolds underscores the universal nature of this struggle. He encourages the reader, akin to himself, to embrace uncertainty and take the leap into the unknown, reiterating his imperative to “JUMP ANYWAY” (60). This encapsulates the persistent, unyielding spirit of dreamers, acknowledging doubt and the necessity of overcoming it.