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Open Poetry #35
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Ratleader
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0 posted 2005-03-18 10:41 AM


I Am

I am quiet, shy.
I wonder how contentment feels;
I hear friends laugh together,
I see their smiles but not their faces.
I want a face of my very own.
I am quiet, shy.

I pretend to be happy, yet
I feel an emptiness I can’t explain.
I touch the corners, doorposts as I pass.
I worry because no one seems to see me;
I cry within my silence, alone.
I am quiet, shy.

I understand that these things are so,
I say that I know why;
I dream some day I will.
I try to answer questions no one asks, and
I hope – you know my hope, no need to say.
I am quiet, shy.

© Copyright 2005 Ed Ratledge - All Rights Reserved
Sunshine
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since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
1 posted 2005-03-18 11:08 AM


It is true, when we try to pigeonhole ourselves...we find there is more to us than even meets our inner eye.

On to the second part of Ed.

Martie
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since 1999-09-21
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California
2 posted 2005-03-18 11:28 AM


Ed

I think you are beautiful!  

Enchantress
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since 2001-08-14
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Canada eh.
3 posted 2005-03-18 11:43 AM


Ed, we see you and hear you.
This one deserves a big hug!

suthern
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since 1999-07-29
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Louisiana
4 posted 2005-03-18 01:26 PM


You are a multi-faceted gem... beautiful in every aspect... and a treasure beyond words.

I love this, my friend. *S*

garysgirl
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Florida, USA
5 posted 2005-03-19 06:33 AM


Ed, I've always thought, since I've known you,
that you're a good friend to know and have.
Now, I even think more so. this is a beautiful
and humble poem, my friend. Thank you for
sharing yourself.
Hugs,
Ethel

icebox
Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383
in the shadows
6 posted 2005-03-19 09:50 AM


"I want a face of my very own"

We each can never see our own faces.  At best we may only see imperfect and reversed reflections of who we might be.  We must rely on the filtered vision of others.

Well done, Sir Poet with a kind and knowing face.

jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas
7 posted 2005-03-19 09:59 AM


I think you wrote my bio, my friend...very well said.

j.

Susan
Member Ascendant
since 2004-03-27
Posts 5104
walking the surreal
8 posted 2005-03-19 10:00 AM


You have touched me deeply - moved my heart with compassion and in understanding - I understand the word "empty" all too well - and I know what it feels like to be lost to oneself

  Susan

If I wander far enough, long enough, will I finally know . . .

miscellanea
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since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
9 posted 2005-03-19 11:40 AM


Ed,

  Though you may see yourself as quiet and shy, I see you as marvelous instrument, one that PERMEATES the room with the essence of its sound, mood, existence...  An instrument whose exterior shines and whose sound resonates!

           miscellanea

littlewing
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since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655
New York
10 posted 2005-03-19 08:49 PM


You know Ed, even though you feel you are quiet and shy, I see your beautiful heart all the time.

This - I can relate to:

I pretend to be happy, yet
I feel an emptiness I can’t explain.
I touch the corners, doorposts as I pass.
I worry because no one seems to see me;
I cry within my silence, alone.




beautifully met.

Midnitesun
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Gaia
11 posted 2005-03-20 02:02 AM


"I try to answer questions no one asks"
me too, so I understand this part of you

Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
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Realms of Light
12 posted 2005-03-20 04:09 AM


Ed, you may consider yourself "quiet and shy", but you are also loved and admired by your PiP friends ~ to be sure!

Never stop sharing your beautiful self with us!


Linda

Michelle_loves_Mike
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since 2003-12-20
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Pennsylvania
13 posted 2005-03-20 05:24 AM


"I see their smiles but not their faces."

A rare gift indeed,,,

Challenge nicely met.

Michelle

No one really cares,,why should I?

Alicethruglass
Member
since 2001-06-19
Posts 368

14 posted 2005-03-20 08:33 AM


I feel an emptiness I can’t explain.
I touch the corners,

I do the same~~

~A~

Poet deVine
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since 1999-05-26
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Hurricane Alley
15 posted 2005-03-20 10:25 AM



Gosh I never saw you this way! I assumed you were just the opposite! I'm glad you posted this and allowed me to see another side of you.

Ratleader
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Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass
16 posted 2005-03-20 10:29 AM


Oh yes -- sometimes I over-compensate by being brash and forward, but only here, only in written things....in person I may be the shyest person you would ever meet.

~~(¸¸¸¸ºº>   ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº>  ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº>    ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº>
______________Ratleader______________

Ringo
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Saluting with misty eyes
17 posted 2005-03-20 10:40 AM


I pretend to be happy, yet
I feel an emptiness I can’t explain.


Here's to fulling the void as quickly as possible.

An amazing job as always, Ed.

In the wooden chair
Beside my window
I wear a face born in the falling rain

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