Are We Family?

I know the idea haunts you,

but I wish it didn't have to.

You'd close the curtains so they don't see her;

someone like me couldn't be your daughter.

Can I leave the closet?

I wish I could pause it,

flip a switch, turn it on or off.

I know you will just scoff.

How you would stomp and yell

if I decided to tell.

But I'll stay behind closed doors,

hoping to avoid wars.

I know I can never leave

'else dear mother has to grieve.

Are you ashamed of me?

I just want my family.

Author's Note

This is something I've been afraid to talk about for so long. I would love to hear suggestions on how to improve the poem. It's been brought to my attention that the meaning might not be too clear.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I was friends (via texting) with a young lady for a couple years recently . . . she claimed her parents disowned her & did not want any of their high-falutin' associates to know they had a daughter . . . I believed her for years, but then eventually decided she was catfishing me. However, your poem reminds me of those times when I truly believed she was in this situation of being totally shunned by her famous family & I constantly tried to imagine how that might feel, or why any parents would do that.

Your message conveys how it seemed to feel for this person, living a similar situation. I love the question: "Can I leave the closet?" I have to confess -- it feels like you're reaching for a few of the rhymes . . . in particular, this section doesn't blend with your overall message as well:
"Can I leave the closet?
I wish I could pause it,
flip a switch, turn it on or off.
I know you will just scoff."

[Hannah]

Thanks barleygirl. I did have some trouble getting the rhyming to work well.

[Jacob Clifford]

I didn't struggle to find the meaning. I have never thought this was anything to be shunned for. It's very unfortunate that people are judged differently for something so harmless. I hope you are welcomed with the love and acceptance you deserve.

[Hannah]

Thank you, Clifford.

[Connie MaryN]

The message is clear Hannah the meaning is well expressed in the poem and it is very touching. Do not fear when writing just write what you feel and think in a poetic way and it'll turn out good like this one.Congrats!! keep writing.

[Hannah]

Thank you for reading and for your advice.

[richieb]

Hannah, I recognized your challenge through your words. It probably will be painful in the beginning with your family. Hopefully through conversations your family will understand. Always know that the God who created you will always love you. Use your writing as way of expressing your feelings. Pray for inner Peace. My message box is always open to you. Blessings, Richie.

[Hannah]

Thank you. I wish everyone was so accepting.

[Autonomous]

I think if you had any problems with being clear in your poems then it's not present today. It was as clear as day to me, the frustration, disappointment and the ever so small hope of crashing into your families mind and getting through to them. Great work!

[Hannah]

Thank you, Zwsed. I'm glad it was obvious.

[.]

This is a very heartwrenching, little poem.

Hannah, fear not. The meaning behind this poem is clearly evident. Do not change it. It speaks of you. It speaks for you. Let it speak.
There is courage and deep emotions behind this poem. Something that should be applauded and encouraged.
Lovingly written, tender, poignant, and straight from the tendrils of the heart.
Never be ashamed, Hannah. Never. Well done!

[Hannah]

Thank you so much.

[Joe W]

Wow. This one really hit me hard. As someone who's gone through adoptions myself twice before I turned 3 years old, the concept of family was always something that I struggled with. However, after I got with the family I'm with now, I realize I have a spiritual family that cares and loves me. I really connected to this one more than I have with any of your work. So glad that you took the time to write this out and share it. Thank you. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here. Feel free to send me a message anytime. For this one alone I'd rate a 200 out of 100 but I don't think it will let me.

[Hannah]

That's so nice of you Joe! Thank you. It's interesting to see that family is at the heart of so many problems, not just the one in the poem.

[James Towers]

I think the meaning is made evident by the emotion. I can feel the anxiousness and disappointment you may feel. Overall it came off as quite powerful.

Other than that, maybe the words used for some of the rhymes (yell, tell; off,scoff) are almost a bit predictable. Personally I enjoy the rhymes that are not so evident (i.e grieve/ leave). This may be a personal preference but the latter rhymes seem to show more depth.

[Hannah]

Thank you. I appreciate your suggestions.

[Unknown Poet]

I touched me alot...
I felt the same way when I used to fail in school exams....
Thank you very much for this Hannah.. :)

[Hannah]

Thank you, Uday. I don't know if the expression is used outside of english speaking countries, so maybe you wouldn't know it, but the expression "coming out of the closet" means revealing you're gay. This poem wasn't literally about an exam. It was about being afraid to admit I'm gay. Thanks for reading, anyway. I might have to make the meaning more clear.

[Unknown Poet]

Ha ha ha *Laughs*
I'm Sorry make more clear.... but I understood this in my way....lol