Run

Introspective look at self esteem, identity and the desire to withdraw.

I have to walk away

I'll walk and walk

And hope it holds the hurt at bay

While I talk and talk

Listening to my words I say

Hoping they'll bring a better day.

I want to run from me

I'll run and run

And escape myself and what I see

While I shun and shun

Those who would try to set me free

From my self inflicted misery.

I can seek, sneak and hide

I'll sneak and sneak

and only in myself confide

While I seek and seek

A part of me that's on my side

That might help break my chains of pride.

I will fly for new life

I'll fly and fly

And soar above all this strife

While I cry and cry

For my wounded heart cut by knife

Wishing life would merge, like man and wife!

1989

Author's Note

I'm posting a pic of myself with this one. I've tried every which way to edit my profile. Different computers and devices. Nothing works. Thinking about deleting my profile and starting over now that I understand the site better. But the thought of losing all of your profound reviews is killing me. I don't know what to do! I'm trying to contact the site, we'll see.

Reviews

[Patricia]

I love this! Been there and some will say you can't run from yourself, you can run, escape but your thoughts go with you but experience of running, the actual act of escape, changes your perspective and changes you. You look at yourself differently and look at the world differently. Although in my experience that isn't always a good experience but that still changes you and how you look at the world and it can be a good change of view. We live and learn in our way, this is one I know and it has helped me get to where I am despite the choices made along that journey. May your journey always bring a positive light to self awareness. Great writing!

[William Michael Reeves]

Thanks. Those perspectives have a nasty habit of getting us all tangled up in ourselves.

[Betty Hermelee]

This is a very complex poem, in that it shows the reader how it's possible for one's mind to be divided; one part says set me free from this misery and the other won't let the pride go... so it's a real conflict of mental magnitude... which wears one down...wishing all the time that the two sides could merge, like husband and wife... this is such torment and sometimes difficult to solve. Great writing.
Best, B.

[William Michael Reeves]

Thank You Betty. You helped explain what my problem is...I'm all worn down!. I might have a couple poems left in me yet. You see into the folds of my meaning and I appreciate that!

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re very welcome!

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

A thought provoking piece William. Self esteem is something one will battle for much of their life. The only real cure is to be out of character and let go of those foibles that rest in the mind planting negativity within. I think eventually in older age one gets to the point there is nothing left to lose because any imperfection you felt you have is never going away or changing so it's not worth dwelling over. I am not a drinking man but I hear it can ease a bit of that edge. Make someone feel less self conscious. I think these times of covid have really caused quite a bit of social anxiety within many. Understandably so to be honest.