Bullish outcomes bears work

Afloat with members of the mercantile 

On the dips and peaks 

I lash, trade, fight the bull and bear

Lose my pennies, pounds, and win some too

I live for the risks

Brought by uncertainities, randomness

And I seek no refuge, I face the mornings

And nights, too, cold, some bitter, some gentle

You hate me, I understand

I hate me too, I play this game of slides

A thought not spared for your gripes

I float

Again

Amongst the members of the mercantile.

## Analysis of "Bullish outcomes, bears and at work"

**Themes:**

* **Financial speculation:** The poem centers around the speaker's life as a trader, navigating market fluctuations and taking risks. 

* **Isolation and self-loathing:** Despite the adrenaline rush of the "game," the speaker expresses a sense of alienation and internal conflict.

* **Addiction and repetition:** The cyclical nature of trading ("afloat... Again... Amongst") and the constant striving for "bullish outcomes" suggest a potentially unhealthy obsession.

**Techniques:**

* **Metaphor:** The market is personified as bulls and bears, creating a dynamic and almost predatory environment.

* **Repetition:** Words like "float" and "members of the mercantile" are repeated, emphasizing the speaker's immersion in the financial world.

* **Juxtaposition:** Contrasting images like "dips and peaks" and "cold, some bitter, some gentle" add complexity and nuance to the emotional atmosphere.

**Strengths:**

* **Vivid imagery:** The poem effectively captures the volatility and intensity of the trading world through descriptive language.

* **Emotional honesty:** The speaker's self-awareness and self-criticism add depth and complexity to the character.

* **Conciseness:** The poem packs a lot of meaning into a short space, leaving room for interpretation.

**Criticisms:**

* **Limited scope:** The poem focuses primarily on the speaker's internal world and offers little insight into the broader context of financial markets or their impact on society.

* **Potential for oversimplification:** The portrayal of the financial world as a zero-sum game between bulls and bears could be seen as lacking in nuance.

* **Abrupt ending:** The poem's conclusion may leave readers wanting more closure or resolution.

**Overall:**

"Bullish outcomes, bears and at work" is a thought-provoking poem that captures the intense and isolating world of financial speculation. While it could benefit from greater context and exploration, its evocative imagery and emotional honesty make it a noteworthy piece.