How? (a reflective piece) - pipTalk Forums

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VAS
Member Rara Avis

since 2000-11-16

Posts 7450
Oregon

0 posted 2002-08-31 03:00 PM

How?

am I a clone
am I an echo
do I run around
emulating those
that have influence
do I act only to please
those who see,
or am I me?

once,
or twice,
perhaps,
told that I’m a
“people pleaser.”

is that my fate
is that my malady
or is there something here
that’s truly me
the me
I’m supposed to be
in order to fulfill
my reason
to exist?

do I keep silent
to hide my view,
then whisper in the darkness
a different hue?

do I tuck
the truth of what
I believe
up my sleeve
and then grieve
for my quiet resolve
or do I solve
the maladies at hand
carved in the sand
right where I stand?

and if that’s
all that I am
how do I carry my head
how do I step my steps
how do I labor my love
if it’s only kept
in a glove
hidden from view
starved from a few?

how do I be me
for Thee?

©August 31, 2002

Whether on the shoal or on the shore,
I'll seek the lighthouse evermore.

Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

1 posted 2002-08-31 04:07 PM

Wow!   Love the ending....How do I be me for
thee?

Of course,  you and I both know that it is
not what others think,  but more importantly
what we think of US, ourselves...

I think most all of us enjoy being liked..
and I do know that I too,  have leaned
toward another's opinion or belief 'cause I
thought it would please them,  or they
would like me better....IF I did...

Well,  pack up the lunch,  load the guns,
because I am learning to be ME more each
day...and me thinks you are too.....

BTW...I do enjoy your poetry....makes one
think, reflect and is very enjoyable...

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

2 posted 2002-08-31 04:13 PM

(big hugggssssss) Oh Virginia, this is so touching, sweet friend, I think how is such a complicated question indeed but I guess the answer to that question relies in "Why?", as in "why must you go on!" and answer it yourself, saying "because you are you and you deserve to be happy!" (sigh) This is wonderfully heartfelt, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Virginia, thank you for sharing!

May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

MidnightSon
Member

since 2002-05-15

Posts 312
between the gutter & the stars

3 posted 2002-08-31 04:56 PM

if all those things are what you do, then that's not all you are. i think we are defined by more than our actions.

it's alright to keep some things inside, but not just because you think someone won't like them.
you can't change your beliefs just to please others... if you can, then how rooted are your beliefs?

but you can change yourself. you're never stuck in one thing forever.

i quote sister hazel:
if you want to be somebody else, change your mind.

find something you like.

i liked your ending... it went well with the people pleaser line. a funny ending, intentional or not.
very questioning write. you should go read shadow rider's latest... it coincides i think.

it's our struggle for identity that leaves us all unknown

VAS
Member Rara Avis

since 2000-11-16

Posts 7450
Oregon

4 posted 2002-08-31 05:03 PM

Thanks, all, and MidniteSun, the Thee in the ending has a capital letter as I am referring to God. You probably knew that, but just in case...it wasn't another person I was ultimately wanting to please. I ultimately want to please God and I know that will be well for who I am when I'm being the me He created me for.

Thanks for your wonderful words of wisdom, too.

Whether on the shoal or on the shore,
I'll seek the lighthouse evermore.

ranita
Junior Member

since 2002-08-31

Posts 15

5 posted 2002-08-31 07:50 PM

beautifully spoken Vas
i had to read it a few times :-)
you poem touched me and the me i am to be
i loved your poem

God bless
ranita

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis

since 2001-12-05

Posts 8296
Michigan

6 posted 2002-08-31 08:16 PM

do I tuck
the truth of what
I believe
up my sleeve
and then grieve
for my quiet resolve
or do I solve
the maladies at hand
carved in the sand
right where I stand?

An absolute gem of thought and truth here, Virginia...
This is something that I think we all grapple with when we are young...but one of the best things about getting older is that you don't have to please anyone but yourself and you finally realize that...

~ hugs from a pleased self

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled" Gwendolyn Brooks

the_loner_23
Member Ascendant

since 2002-06-08

Posts 5479
Jacksonville, Florida, USA

7 posted 2002-08-31 08:17 PM

This is wonderful

Cold hands means a warm heart

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