Here's a breakdown of the poem's meaning:
* The Speaker's State of Mind: The speaker is in a state of restless anticipation, waiting for something to happen. He is "waiting for the revolution" and "waiting for the angel to come." This suggests a desire for change, for something to break the monotony and give meaning to his life.
* Disillusionment and the Reality of the World: The speaker is deeply disillusioned with the state of the world. He sees "the world going to pieces" and feels the "weight of history" bearing down on him. The "angel" he is waiting for is a symbol of hope and redemption, something to bring meaning to a world he sees as chaotic and meaningless.
* Existential Angst and the Absurdity of Existence: The poem grapples with existential angst. The speaker confronts the absurdity of waiting for something that may never come, questioning the point of his existence. He is caught in a state of suspended animation, unable to move forward or escape his predicament.
* The Role of Art and Creativity: The poem itself acts as a form of resistance against the absurdity of existence. The speaker uses his art to express his disillusionment and search for meaning. By writing the poem, he is actively engaging with the world and attempting to make sense of it.
Key Symbols:
* The Revolution: Represents a desire for radical change and a rejection of the current state of affairs.
* The Angel: Represents hope, redemption, and the possibility of meaning in a chaotic world.
* Waiting: Reflects the speaker's passivity and feeling of being stuck in a state of anticipation.
Ultimately, "I Am Waiting" is a poem about the human condition – our search for meaning in a world that often feels meaningless, and the constant struggle between hope and disillusionment. The poem invites the reader to contemplate these themes and consider their own place in the world.