I stand before you
My hands reaching out
Trembling with fear
Scared that I have hurt you
With the words
I had to say.
Knowing
That they carry
A double edged sword
To my soul
Like a dagger plunged
Ever so deep.
Unable to say
The reasons why
That you'll understand
Why this pain grows
Like a wildfire
Consuming all.
The bitter ashes
Is all
I can taste
Upon my body
As the wind blows
Into my face.
As I lay naked
Before you
My soul stripped
Prostrated to the altar
Awaiting your word
Your gentle touch.
Knowing
My honest words
Are wounds to you
However you denied it
Your eyes say otherwise
Having said too much.
Therisa © 2018
Author's note: Another late night/early morning poem, I have written. Am surprised that it took 30 minutes, from start to finish, to write this. And yes, I had REM’s Losing My Religion playing in my mind, as I wrote this.
This poem, for me, is about the aftermath of coming out to someone, who is close to you, emotionally. I hope, I have done justice and respect to REM and their song.
38 comments:
One would feel very vulnerable indeed, in such a moment, hoping the person will have the empathy to be sensitive and affirmative in their response, but not being sure what the response will be. A brave thing to do, and a brave poem to write. Thank you, Therisa.
Thank you, Sherry. Although, the events of this poem happened almost 12 years, it's still fresh in my mind. Truthfully, I didn't know that I would be writing this, when I started typing on my smartphone.
I can feel the emotion in this, the risks taken, the honesty. A powerful poem.
This is so powerful! Such raw emotion in this, Therisa.
Every time we reach out to another, we risk rejection. It is a risk worth taking, although sometimes all we get for our efforts is pain, more pain.
Truth can be a breaker of things (that aren't as strong as we wish them to be). But that doesn't take from the pain we feel... after hurting something/someone we care/cared about. These sort of situation leaves everyone raw.
It takes courage to be honest, never knowing what the response will be. I have experienced that myself this past two weeks, a negative response to something that needed to be said. All we can do is be true to ourselves - the rest is up to the other person. So lovely to see you in the Pantry, my friend.
Thank you, Mary. This poem wrote itself, as I struggled to fall back asleep, on this early morning.
Thank you, Sanaa, for generous words.
I know Magaly. I tried everything to educate and lighten the shock to both of us. Being around my mom is a constant anxiety attack bordering on becoming a panic attack for me.
Very sad and true, at the same time, MTT. Especially, when it concerns our family.
This is such a vivid experience, the lines slip into each other and I find myself flinching with recognition.
Thank you, Sherry. Do hope your situation is able to resolve itself, in a positive and constructive manner for all parties involved.
Am sorry, you have seen or been part of a similar discussion. I realize, after posting this, the universal nature of the poem to straight and LGBTQ+ people.
Beautifully written depiction of a brave offering of a painful truth. Bravo
that is one of the things I like about writing, we don't know until we write it. Maybe we don't know, until we say it? Well done!!
The image of the double edged sword is etched into my mind. To stand before that, with that between me and the person I am communicating with, is too much suspense. So much is at stake, trembling is natural, courage is key. Good poem.
What's the Frequency, Kevin?
Yes, sometimes the truth does hurt. You have vividly and beautifully described a daring and raw encounter.
A painful situation you wont forget, probably knowing in advance how your news would be received yet hoping for a different outcome.Authenticity is the key to good mental health.Others will be hurt but it is a worse outcome to live your life to fit in and please others.Conversely this causes more damage in the long run.Honesty and authenticity is the best policy.
Rallentanda, for many LGBTQ+ people, this is part of the dance that we must do with family and friends. And yes, many LGBTQ+ people suffer depression and anxiety disorders, as a result. Society isn't fully ready to embrace the LGBTQ+ community.
Truth, we are never sure how it will be received. We cry for honesty and hope for silence.
Uhm, Colleen. It's Kenneth, not Kevin. Besides, E Bow was a better song.
Thank you, Carrie. There's times, this is a double edged sword that really digs deep, leaving you feeling emotionally scarred to the point, you want it to end.
Thank you, Bev, for the compliment.
Thank you, Annell. Most of my poetry is, an expression of my unconsciousness, where I don't know the direction that my poems will take.
Thank you, Susan. Major fear that this poem would come across, as being abad derivative poem of the REM song, "Losing My Religion".
Honestly, Susie. I don't know, which one is worse. As both responses carry their own pain.
painful, but you are very brave to write about this.
i think most societies are not ready to fully accept the LGBT community yet. which is sad.
You did fine! : )
ZQ
The vulnerability shows here Therisa. Well done.
Thank you, dsnake. Silence isn't golden, but death to the LGBTQ+ community. Am hoping poems like this, will raise awareness of the struggle, we face.
Thank you, ZQ. Like many abuse survivors, I have low self-esteem and confidence.
That's a terrifying moment when the truth is out there and you have to see the reaction in someone's eyes..
Your poem oozes raw emotion and vulnerability, Therisa, which made me shiver. The naked truth is a precarious moment. I like the way the final line echoes the song.
Totally, big time, Thotpurge. Especially, when the other person's face is filled with hurt, like they have done something wrong to cause this.
Thank you, Sarah. Sigh. The joys of writing very personal poetry.
Thank you, Kim. The ending, just felt right when I was writing this out, in my head. Most often, is the bitter truth.
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