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Open Poetry #35
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James_A_Fraser
Senior Member
since 2003-09-03
Posts 972
Out Making Anticlines

0 posted 2005-03-18 03:16 PM


I Am


I am nobody it seems, faceless, nearly voiceless.
I wonder how this came to be, when
I hear my own voice, taste this wine, smell my pipe smoke;
I see my hands, this smooth white ring, isn’t that enough?
I want to believe in me, to be someone, but still
I am nobody it seems, faceless, nearly voiceless.

I pretend too well, put on the perfect face,
I feel the same as you, my friend, my brother,
I touch your hand, then involuntarily I grasp it, afraid.
I worry that this non-existent existence will claim my soul
I cry out in mute frustration but I cannot change;
I am nobody it seems, faceless, nearly voiceless.

I understand too well the limits of my life
I say I accept those things that hold me apart, yet
I dream, I pray, for resolution knowing there will be none.
I try to find a way to reach out to you, to everyone
I hope my verse will some way, somehow help, though
I am nobody it seems, faceless, nearly voiceless.

© Copyright 2005 James A. Fraser - All Rights Reserved
suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
1 posted 2005-03-18 04:20 PM


Nobody???? I must beg your pardon here. *S* For you're a fantastic poet... but better... you're a fantastic person... a wonderful friend... a man I'm proud to know.

This is a wonderful answer to the challenge... but I hope you know you are so much much MUCH more...

James_A_Fraser
Senior Member
since 2003-09-03
Posts 972
Out Making Anticlines
2 posted 2005-03-18 04:35 PM


Aye dear lady, I'm aware of it -- but those lacks I have, those things that I am not and seemingly will never be, I feel them so keenly at times that they blot out everything else.



~~J

suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
3 posted 2005-03-18 04:48 PM


I was going to say... I have a great big bottle of Windex here if it will help clear your vision? *G*

But now... I'm tempted to say that a dour Scot has been cosying up to the Blarney Stone. *S* But... I know how often what isn't overwhelms what is...

I just hope you know that what is... is very special. *S*



Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
4 posted 2005-03-18 09:23 PM


Jamie

I agree with Suthern!  You are a wonderful poet and a great friend and many many other things as well.  

James_A_Fraser
Senior Member
since 2003-09-03
Posts 972
Out Making Anticlines
5 posted 2005-03-18 09:28 PM


It's true, lass...I manage a fair number of things, but somehow there is the haunting knowledge that I am less in some of the ways that truly count, though in others I know I'm much more than some I could name.



~~J

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
6 posted 2005-03-19 06:34 AM


If the tree falls in the woods,
and no one is around,
is there any death-rattle as the limbs
fall victim to earth?

So you're a figment of my imagination, then...
so all I ask, is write on,
and I will read
what is not there.


littlewing
Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655
New York
7 posted 2005-03-19 08:59 PM


James?

*nodding head*

I feel like that too.
We all do . . . its why most of us write, I believe.  We feel some sort of something missing . . .

this was way beyond well met.

James_A_Fraser
Senior Member
since 2003-09-03
Posts 972
Out Making Anticlines
8 posted 2005-03-19 10:27 PM


For me, it's more than feeling. I'm nothing, untouchable -- and the response to this poem shows it well.

Here are the last dozen new, full-length poems I've posted -- I dare you to read any one of them and tell me that, strictly as poetry, it got the response it deserved.

I Am (for the challenge)
bee
What Will The Rock Say?
When Is Enough?
Zen And Del
ready for more
With A Smile Like The Moon
Clown
In Touch
Candle, Hand
Brave
Lips, Wax





~~J

[This message has been edited by James_A_Fraser (03-19-2005 11:14 PM).]

Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
9 posted 2005-03-20 02:23 AM


"I try to find a way to reach out to you, to everyone"
and I believe you succeed in doing just that

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
10 posted 2005-03-20 03:56 AM


James, you may be "faceless" here at Pip (would love for you to post a photo of your poetic self!) ~ but you most definitely are not "voiceless". You speak volumes and your words resonate within several layers of meaning.


EA

littlewing
Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655
New York
11 posted 2005-03-20 05:33 AM


James,

you need to realize that many people read without replying.  You should write for yourself, not for others, I mean I have many things maybe only two people replied to.

But you know what?

Two people replied.  That made me smile.

J.Samm
Member
since 2004-01-12
Posts 415
Iloilo City, Philippines
12 posted 2005-03-20 06:25 AM


wow,james...this is very intense...powerful write...it moved me
James_A_Fraser
Senior Member
since 2003-09-03
Posts 972
Out Making Anticlines
13 posted 2005-03-20 09:13 AM


The dead-pan truth is, it's not just about responses. I've known for a while now that I've been "out" with the "in's" of PiP, and it doesn't usually bother me. The people I care about reading my poetry, do read it.

I had something lousy happen with regard to my participation here, and it didn't hit me for most of a day, just how lousy it was. I don't feel free to talk about it here, but I lost something important -- more important to me than the good graces of most anybody around here.



~~J

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
14 posted 2005-03-20 10:38 AM


Whatever it is you've lost... I sincerely hope you find... or find a way to go on without it. And remember... if you're on outs with the ins, you're in some good company.

I will continue looking for your work and hoping I find it... knowing I'll find excellence.

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