Have You Ever Felt...

Have you ever felt

On the edge of life but not quite part of it?

Like happiness is at your fingertips

But just beyond your grasp?

 

Have you ever felt

That you were looking in

From a cold night

Through a lighted window

At a warm room

Where smiling people

Share a meal and a drink,

Music and affectionate companionship?

That maybe you could go inside,

Be a part of it,

If only you had the courage

To ring the damn doorbell?

 

Have you ever felt like a child

In a world full of grownups

All beautiful and accomplished,

Intelligent and articulate?

That anything you have to say

Is so elementary to them?

That to them inevitably

You are only a child?

 

An orphaned child

Who never has and never will know

The love and warmth of family?

Have you wondered how much

You’ll ever truly matter to another?

How much you can accomplish in life?

 

If you understand what I say,

You know how easy it is to despair.

You learn to function despite those demons

You and I share.

You keep a stiff upper lip.

You carry on, but they’re always there.

The darkness resurfaces now and then

And you don’t even know why.

I wish I could meet and talk with you

And together we could keep them at bay.

 

If you don’t understand,

And I hope you never do,

Sympathize and be kind because

You never know what lies

Deep beneath the surface

Of those you encounter on any ordinary day.

Reviews

[Adam Adams]

Such a "humanitarian" write!

Thought provoking stuff, it is that speaks the heart very well. You envision the shades, the moments, the scenario & the perspectives of vast world to your very eyes & nicely so smoothly let it leap down in words form the walls - the corners of your creative head. Lovely. You show a very heartfelt through realistic scenario of world... in ... through words. Excellent job!

My fav. line:

If you understand what I say,
You know how easy it is to despair.

Ah... so much and many things you creatively say in such ... few evocative lines. If the world underestimates or ain't understand what's meant to be understood then it'll never understand what's made to be worth or valued: "Humanity". Brilliant!

[Jennie Baron]

Wow! This review made my day. It means so much more than reviews that say little more than "I liked it." Actually, I don't know how much credit I can take for this one because it came to me so easily... But such a wonderful review is much appreciated!

[Becky Villareal]

If this came easily, it's because it came straight from your heart. Write on!

[Jennie Baron]

Thank you so much, Becky! It was good to meet you at the writers' group and a pleasant surprise to see you here. And I'm so pleased at your kind review. If you post some writing here, send me a read request. Or message me on Facebook, or I believe you mentioned you were on LinkedIn? I hope to get some chapters of my novel on the Cafe soon, too.

[Becky Villareal]

It was nice to meet you too. I will be posting things here as well. Take care.

[Jamey]

This feels very heartfelt...I do share some of those emotions...well done!

[Jennie Baron]

My heartfelt thanks for your reading and review!

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Jennie... Feelings are the footsteps to an
existence of warmth and love. I think of the
Movie, Home Alone... each one more charming.
I also especially love the movie, "Short Circuit" which
made me laugh constantly. Love your poem of
possibilities. truly, Pat

[Jennie Baron]

I love your analogy to "Home Alone." I was feeling in a sad and isolated mood when I wrote this, but felt I needed to add a note of possibilities in that last stanza.

[Mary Helda]

My God! Have you ever read a piece and felt like the poet was directly talking to you?
have you ever felt like the poet was slowly penetrating into your life and revealing every little thing about you, like you have been left with absolutely nothing to hide. this is how i felt after reading your poem. i am at work so you have no idea how i have been struggling to keep back the tears. Very wonderfully written, you provoke such raw emotion. Fantastic job

[Jennie Baron]

Thank you so very much. Isn't emotion what poetry's all about? I consider myself more a fiction writer but it's always wonderful when one of my poems touches someone.

[emmajoy]

There's so much i agree with in and about your long, wandering, intense and beautiful poem. However many folk we might know or think are our friends, there's nothing more painful than suddenly realising you're alone surrounded by people. Yurning to someone, standing near someone, and not having the words to say 'I am..' or have the presence that nudges acknowledgement is isolation on two feet, in one heart...

You express such deep feelings, you touch emotions with extraordinary empathy; your language strokes the screen, you know how to write - and write beautifully.

'.. Have you ever felt - That you were looking in - From a cold night - Through a lighted window - At a warm room .. .. .. ' :(

[Jennie Baron]

Oh, thanks so much! I haven't written poetry in a long time, having focused on fiction. It means a great deal to have someone compliment my poems.

[Candace Cloud]

Love this poem. And, yes those moments do creep in.

[Jennie Baron]

You are too kind! I might be inspired to write some more poetry.

[Candace Cloud]

Please do. Your novel Share your dreams with me reminds me of poem. You are talented with your flow and descriptions.

[Jennie Baron]

Your message is so encouraging. Just what I needed!

[Becky Villareal]

Beautifully written Jennie!

[Mary]

Your poem describes so beautifully the simple idea that we all often feel like the odd one out, watching but not really a part of the "cool kids." Our insecurities are often our biggest roadblocks to inner peace. The healing comes when we realize that there are no "cool kids." They are looking in the window from the outside just like we are. Wonderful write!

[Jennie Baron]

Well put! I wish I had brought out your last point more. Thank you so much for reading and for your kind review!

[A. Amos]

Reality check at its best...I am reading your work after a very long time...I admit I miss reading your art. This is extremely one of the finest write on writer's cafe...God bless you my friend and keep creating the magic. As always a true fan!

[Jennie Baron]

How encouraging to open my computer first thing this morning and read such kind words! This poem is especially close to my heart, and your review is very much appreciated. I don't have any new poetry for you, but I've written a new draft of my novel, "Share My Dreams With Me." As I remember, you read some of it, but I think the rewrite is so much better.

[A. Amos]

You're most welcome and let me check your rewrite version.

[Great Aunt Astri]

I feel empathy for this poem. Been there, done that, and come out the other side with the T-shirt! 'You learn to function despite those demons' Too true. Good for you for writing this bold poem!

[Jennie Baron]

I suppose I must have done something right if my poem inspired empathy! Thank you for reading, Astri; your review is most gratifying.