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.

[Ana B.]

Very powerful write.....i think there are more of us who could relate to this than one can think. Great work!

[Jennie Baron]

Yes, I'm gratified by the positive reaction. More people did relate than I originally thought. It might even be a good choice for a poetry reading. I truly appreciate your reading and review, Ana.

[Ana B.]

It was my pleasure.... and relating :)

[Stephen]

This is very good! I once had a family that loved me, that I could enjoy. But they left this world. Now I do feel like the one in the poem and I can relate. Thanks for sharing

[Jennie Baron]

Thank you for sharing your story! It was touching and I'm happy you found something you relate to. My story has elements of yours, too. Your reading and review are appreciated.

[cimmy wuv xxxooo]

Wow so deep, and meaningful, full of emotion.
Quite an amazing piece.
I could relate to some of it mainly the first part.

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?

I do feel like that quite allot like the main thing I want is just to be happy, sometimes I feel close to it, only to have it pulled away from me.
Brilliant poem!

[Jennie Baron]

You truly "get" this poem, cimmy! I so appreciate your reading and review!

[cimmy wuv xxxooo]

you are more than welcome.

[Sami Khalil]

'If you don’t understand,
And I hope you never do,
Sympathize and be kind"

[Jennie Baron]

Hi, Sami! Haven't heard from you in a while. Yes, those lines are the most important, aren't they? Thanks for reading; hope you liked this one.

[Sami Khalil]

Yep. Glad to visit...:)........

[Norah]

Yes..I have felt that. beautiful poem..

[Jennie Baron]

Thank you, Nora! You're so kind to read and review.

[Norah]

My pleasure!

[MomzillaNC]

We all feel isolated and alone at some point in life. And, it always feel as if no one else could possible be going through the same thing. Perhaps that's we seek out each other's company.

[Jennie Baron]

Very true, MomZ. I hope this helps someone else feel less isolated. I'm so pleased you took the time to read and review this one; hope you enjoyed it.

[MomzillaNC]

It really paints that lonely, isolated picture.

[Matching Socks]

this was wonderful Jennie, a great reminder that things aren't always what they seem, people feel lost and need a guiding hand. We've all felt it, some of us still feel it.

[Jennie Baron]

Thanks so much, Ana! I appreciate the kind words, and I truly consider them a compliment coming from such a fantastic poet.

[VALORMORE DE PLUME]

You pose an ancient question with optimistic clarity. As a mother would nurture her forlorn offspring with wisdom and compassionate caress. You speak as one who knows and has overcome her personal demons. I love the last stanza.

[Jennie Baron]

Thanks for your reading and your kind review! I have overcome some personal demons, but probably not as many as some people. I like the last stanza myself; the rest of the poem depressed me and I had to end on a positive note.

[VALORMORE DE PLUME]

I understand how you feel. I tend to be positive by intent. Yet at times I allow the dark-side out to play.

[B-poet]

The second stanza was uniquely ironic at it was also my favorite. Loved the conversational questioning tone you've displayed throughout this write. Great work. An eloquent & candid read. :)

[Jennie Baron]

Thanks so much, B! Glad you liked it. I guess that conversational tone is a hallmark of a couple of my poems.

[KAREN]

Awesome write! This poem is an eye opener for the reader, many people can relate to this!

[Jennie Baron]

Yes, I've been gratified by the response. I'm so glad you read and enjoyed it.

[KAREN]

You're welcome!