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.

[Ignacious Lamont Crowle..]

very well paced. can almost hear music behind it as I read.

[Jennie Baron]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your reading.

[Kristan A. Mohammed]

Whoah. This one punched me in the face. So many feelings here that I could never put into words. This piece really eliminates my thought that I'm the only one who feels the way that I do. This is so powerful and grasping. To be honest it scared me at first because I really don't like long poems. But I got so lost in this piece that it felt like five lines long. I'm obviously adding this to my library.
Thank you. Stay inspired.

[Jennie Baron]

Wow, I really feel honored to be added to someone's library. Thanks for the positive words; it means a lot. This is one of my longer poems, certainly, but it felt incomplete until I added that positive note in the last stanza.

[Jennie Baron]

By the way, if I can return the favor and read more of your work, please send me read requests so I'm sure to see it.

[Kristan A. Mohammed]

Not a problem. And I will definitely be looking at your work soon.

[Sylvia Cuttino]

Beautiful! You have an incredible way with words. Absolutely love the last stanza!

[Jennie Baron]

I'm so glad you liked it, Sylvia! That makes it all worthwhile.

[Tania]

wow this was beautifully written ! such a strong message

[Jennie Baron]

Thank you so much for reading! I've been gratified by the response to this one.

[B-poet]

A fantastic write. My favorite stanza is the very last one. It's a deep & ironic central question that we've all come across at some point in our lives. Great work Jennie. An intriguing & profound read. :)

[Jennie Baron]

Many thanks, B! I take this as a compliment coming from such a talented poet.

[Jamestown]

This is a terrific write and strong message, I enjoyed reading this!
The last stanza was great,thanks for sharing and b-blessed!

[Jennie Baron]

Oh my, two positive reviews in the same evening! Yes, I held on to this poem until I could end with a positive note. So glad for your reading and that you liked it. I'll make a note to review some of your poetry.

[Roshan Nair]

Never underestimate the gift of little things, they are what will keep you in times ahead. Lovely write! really enjoyed the message your conveying and the way you got it to flow from scene to scene. Cheers :)

[Jennie Baron]

Thanks for the review and for the good word. Glad you enjoyed the poem; you're much appreciated.

[Tks]

For me, it felt like you were telling me to not take anything for granted. Every small deed, every small action, is an ocean of emotion from one person to another...it's wonderful. Everyone has their struggles, and you penned the struggles, and how we try to overcome them, wonderfully well.

[Jennie Baron]

You say it so well yourself, Tks! Thanks for your kind review.

[Tks]

You are welcome:) your penmanship is an inspiration to me.
Have a good day ahead!

[Jeremydeey]

This poem is spot on. I love the imagery, as I read I could see the whole scene play out in my mind's eye.
The tone is lowkey yet definite.

Great penmanship, you really rock!! :)

[Jennie Baron]

Thank you so very much!

[Daydreamer]

WOOOOW! One of my all-time favs here in this website! Extraordinary performance! And very easy imagery set here.... I love it so much

[Jennie Baron]

Oh, thank you so very much for such glowing words! I didn't realize how much positive response this poem would get. I'm even thinking of using it for a poetry reading if I get the chance. You're so kind!

[Daydreamer]

You're most welcome! Indeed it does deserve that! I just stated some truths :)