I Wonder

How is it possible, I wonder

To simply throw a person away?

Such cruelty is not in our nature

But we see it clearly each day.

We can talk to a total stranger

Or give a nod in the park as we play.

But for someone we know

We can’t see them, the pain they

Keep hidden away.

We spend years developing relationships

And stay as long as we know

That the investment is small and

It comes - without an emotional toll.

But as soon as things get tough

So many run and hide.

Forgetting friends and family

Tossing them easily aside.

We stay away as far as we can

Afraid of what we might find

Choosing to mind our own business

Wrapped up in our own daily grind.

Author's Note

Just some thoughts

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is so pertinent these days...so many want friends for the fun parts...but when it gets tough...and the friends really need us for the bad...we are gone...

i feel the most important aspect of friendship is to really be there in times of need.. not just for the parties...

and yes, we are sometimes much more friendly with strangers....no strings.

[James]

No strings seems to be what people want today, it's really a shame.

Thank you, Jacob, for your thoughts, I always look forward to them.

[Woody]

I totally agree. this is something we see all too often these days. I'm trying to cast my mind back in time and I'm pretty sure it didn't use to be like this. friends were sacred and members of the family were part of us. so many things have changed and what a bloody shame!
you told it nicely, unwittingly, perhaps, revealing you're a good person with a huge heart, James.

[James]

Woody, I was thinking the same thing. Have we always been this self-absorbed?

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'I wonder'
James,
This brings to mind emotional overload. We are mortal and have a limited pain threshold in what can be taken, held and dealt with in our lives daily. People, experiences, emotional overload. Sometimes friends and even those the closest actually fade away. Sometimes it is actually for the best. This was a great write here that you've given.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Pete]

So true & so sad. They say the greatest gift you can give someone is your time. Great write!

[James]

Thank you, Pete. I'm glad you read this one, it's not far from your poem I read a little bit ago, though not nearly as personal.

[Shabeeh Haider]

I am sure everyone can relate to this poem. It is unfortunate that when we really need our friends to be with us they just disappear without a word.
We are ready to give a kind word to a stranger but often we ignore the ones that really matter

[James]

I wonder why that is? Why is it easier to help a total stranger than someone we care about? Because strangers don't interrupt our daily lives, that's why. No emotional involvement, no price tag, we never have to see them or think of them a gain.

[Shabeeh Haider]

You have hit the nail on the head

[...]

I could probably go on a long spell about this....sigh
The world is so much colder than it use to be.
This is so true, James, and so well said. I will just leave it at that

[James]

Yes, it does seem to be much colder than it used to be. I'm not sure what the answer is.

Thanks for the read and the comment.

[Carolynn]

I like these thoughts of yours because it's sadly too true. it's hard to find genuine friends who will be there through thick and thin, good times and bad... They do exist - just hard to find - another well written poem James and with a good message (which I like) :)

[James]

Thank you, Carolynn. Good friends do exist, so hang on to them if you find them. I'm glad you enjoyed this.

[barleygirl]

There aren't enuf words to tell you how much I relate to this message. It's so common these days, disappearing without explanation, there's even a word for it: "ghosting"! I admit, I've done plenty of it, myself. But only after being hammered a few times. And after attempting to find common ground. Never for no discernible reason. That's the kind that really stings for years afterwards. Your description of the process is hard-hitting & feels kinda like it feels when it happens to you.

[James]

We all can relate to this in one way or another. It's amazing how the internet has changed the nature of relationships. People forget that there are emotions involved, we don't see them as "real" people, making it easier to just disappear. I'm sorry to say that I have been on both ends of this, that's probably what prompted this write.