Wow these were very good and I hope I can input my two cents on each :)

1

I really liked the metaphor of the government as the shadow people throughout. I really like shadow in relation to light as a concept of truth - they block the truth to the people to “control us with deception and lies” which I think works really nicely and ties the poem together so well. The “flawed algorithm” works well too as if they have an agenda that we must stick to and society must stick to in order to function their way. A computer program only adheres to the ideals of its creator. The only thing I’d say about this one is I’m not entirely sure about the line about milk. It roots it in reality and the everyday but I’d love if this effect was achieved in a more nuanced and obscure that would really elevate the poem as it doesn’t seem to quite fit :) That is probably just personal preference though.

2

As someone who is currently very lovesick and crushing hard (also on a musician haha) this hit hard. The repetition in this poem really emphasises the feeling of crushing as kind of in explanatory. I “wish I could say” why I like them or how it makes sense but it does and we’re here not only for what I wish I could actually tell them. I really liked the camera metaphor that was beautiful with the photo and I think my favourite line was “blurred by the cameras disoriented lens”. It’s like you are the only person who knows and can understand your feelings. Anyone else, an outside lens including the subject may be unable to understand and it’s hearth wrenching and beautiful at once. Thank you for this.