Most poems always have a rather vague underlying plot, leaving the direction of mood to the reader's discretion. Almost never can a person actually identify with a poem in the context to which it refers. In the poem Borrowed Time by Ruth Fainlight, she simply gives us an inspirational poem that we can all relate to in our own personal way that does not leave us self-loathing for our life choices rather than being good, nor bad. Looking at the thoughtful tone and symbolism of Fainlight's life, we understand how our life is a symbol of borrowed time, and this is important because it reminds us that we must take advantage of the time we are given since another day is not promised. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay So many people don't understand the reality of this concept. Life itself is symbolized as borrowed time and the poem explains the relationship between the two. “Maybe because we're living on borrowed time” is part of the lyrics of the poem that Fainlight uses to make it clear that this poem isn't just about her and her personal thoughts. It plays on the value that everyone must enhance in their life. This particular set of texts also explains that its ideas apply to every single person and there is no human being who can avoid death itself. “He is amazed that you are still alive,” which means why would you be surprised? There is so much to live for and so much meaning in life. Fainlight proceeds to solidify the symbolism between life and time by providing an image of the end date. He does this by saying "I'll pay my debts later", which means let her live her life without regrets. When the time comes, he will leave. The ideology present in the symbolism is very significant and transcends into the other various parts of the poem such as attitude and tone. The thoughtful tone that Fainlight demonstrates in the following lyrics is based on her feelings but is easy for anyone to relate to. “Do not let this moment be, or become, even perhaps, the last time” makes the reader understand that there is no going back and there is only one chance to experience all that life has to offer. There is no way to start over or erase the past as much as a person might want. Throughout the poem, the attitude present in the tone matures to become very meaningful, meditative, and finally develops into encouragement. “We both look at the moon and silently beg” Fainlight mentions as if begging for more time. There is no deadline for learning from mistakes and becoming a better person than the day before. Loving who you are offers contentment, and loving and respecting those around you ensures that you leave behind a pleasant part of you that those who do will love once your time is up. A combination of these two, along with making choices without regrets, are the building blocks for living a life that leaves you and others in peace. As a reader, it is easy to pick up on the tone used in the poem because of Fainlight's use of simplistic words and mean mood. The diction used in the poem is low and informal. This makes the poem unpretentious and the message relatively easy to understand. This poem has a common theme that unites all of life. People are constantly reminded that choices will always have consequences. Even as a child, a parent's job is to try to teach their children about good and evil, in the hope that these teachings will be instilled in the child and transform him into a decent human being. Part of the message is to accept mistakes and.