Aporias Verse
Aporia is a rhetorical or poetic device that expresses doubt, uncertainty, or internal questioning. It often presents a paradox, an unsolvable dilemma, or a speaker struggling with conflicting thoughts. In poetry, aporia creates a sense of hesitation, self-reflection, or philosophical inquiry, leaving the reader to ponder unresolved questions.
After Thought While Drinking Tea
I thought I saw—
but did I see?
A shadow, a flicker, a whisper of green—
or just the trick of light on glass?
If I had turned a second sooner,
would it have stayed?
Or was it never really there
at all?
This poem captures aporia by presenting the speaker’s uncertainty, mirroring a moment of self-doubt.

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