I Don't Want To Talk

A repetition of thoughts around social anxiety and how mental illness can get in the way of speaking and engaging in certain social activities.

I Don't Want To Talk

A poem by Dominik Seguin

Discussions, conversations, speeches,

and small talk-

I won't do it.

Don't take it personal or into offense,

or how you will.

I won't do it.

Pry at my lips, provoke my emotions,

throw a vest-

I won't do it.

My tongue is dry, throat is closed,

and teeth clenched-

I won't do it.

Speaking is one form of engagement,

but not all-

I won't do it.

I want to be alone in my own world

of silent stories-

I won't do it.

I don't want to talk about anything.

I don't want it.

I won't do it.

Author's Note

Social anxiety and class discussions do not mix. Neither does selective mutism (a condition often found in people with mental illness where they have trouble speaking and engaging sometimes due to a shift in their chemical balance or due to a traumatic event. It interrupts their ability to physically speak as they are too focused inward or feel that it takes too much energy.)

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

Interesting look at the inner world of one dealing with mental illness. Has the sound of autism, though possibly other illnesses present this symptom, too.