In the lines from David Rakoff's "Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish," the character grapples with unfulfilled aspirations. She hides her dreams, hoping that by burying them deep within, she can erase the pain of never being selected or favored. This inward struggle highlights the tension between desire and despair, as she attempts to shield herself from the hurt that comes with ambition unfulfilled.

Nevertheless, dreams are resilient and refuse to be silenced. Despite her efforts to push them away, Helen continues to yearn for what she cannot attain. The poem conveys a powerful message about the inevitability of desire and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams, illustrating that even in adversity, the spirit of striving remains alive.