Summary

The poem opens in the present tense with the speaker trying to pull specific details of music from their memory. The speaker remembers excerpts of these songs, which they hum to themself while travelling. They reflect on how they live alone and think about these songs, as well as past relationships, which are almost near enough to touch. These memories come with specific sensory details, such as the sound of static on a record or the feeling of a lover’s touch. Memories come when unexpected, and the speaker takes pleasure in the relief of the experience. The speaker considers that these memories are easier when they’re not so close and bright. They ask themselves if it’s better to remember or to forget.

Analysis

“Blues for Almost Forgotten Music” begins by establishing its premise in the title: the speaker is both mourning...