Everybody’s Talking

I'm not usually so vocal, but I have my days.

It’s in everything all the time,

TV, papers, magazines,

I switch my radio on,

it seems as made of it,

this thing that

  makes the ‘world go round.’

 

It’s on the streets,

talk of the town, 

'She’s found someone,

he’s dating her. 

They’re an item, 

didn't you know?' 

How wonderful it all is,

as if you should know or

  share their joy. 

It’s so easily spoken and 

  is just a given. 

No thought to 

  words delivered, as

  to their effect.  

 

The media proclaims it

  as if it’s a new thing,

each one the same treatment,

holding them up in 

  their Hollywood fame,

their royal status, 

persons’ of ‘note’, 

their sporting stardom, and 

  we cling to every word.

The headlines proclaim a birth,

as if it’s never happened before. 

But what about the ones for

  whom it doesn’t work,

the ones who get caught in the cracks?

Not all stories run the same. 

I can understand something

  so ‘wonderful, natural and right’, but

  it can be so brutal and

  unfeeling to its treatment.

They hold up each birth, marriage,

engagement, as if we hadn't heard. 

 

This ‘thing’ that holds all together,

that we all want, that we all need, deserve, 

that tears apart, that leaves emptiness,

is more for those caught, and

  no-one can see beyond their

  own reality.

The same things that worried 

  them, worries me too! 

 

Reality television 

  pushes the point, 

free love, how wonderful 

  it can be. 

Holding it up as the ideal, 

it all works wonderfully, 

as if every love works 

  so right,

as if love needs to be 

  upheld in this way, 

as if love needs any more 'Sale.'

 

My talk shamed

  into silence, 

I turn away!

My emptiness ringing loud,

feeling uncomfortable, 

irritated, frustrated. 

 

Disability stifling, 

desire wars with reality, 

what is ever present, ever clinging, 

walking away, but 

  somehow still holding on,

believing next time.

Just one, just one! 

 

In the Press

  cries of ‘Alienation’ in

  certain community groups,

demonstrating the city streets

  their right to be heard, 

many people, many ideas 

  of living a life, 

perversions, a waste of His chosen plan,

they squander what God has designed

  as good, right, proper.

A lifestyle embraced, 

accepted as the norm. 

 

I too feel an ‘Alienation’,

similar, but different.

Feelings felt, but 

  no understanding

  of frustrations, 

within such a group. 

 

My peer group, 

their children, grandchildren, 

How am I to react

  when my reality screams 

  so much louder than 

  my desire, my needs. 

How to overcome 

  this shame? 

 

Constant warring, 

to battle demons

  in this

Where can I go 

  to be free of this? 

People talk so openly,

so easily, without thought,

they don't understand 

  its cutting, its scarring,

they don't understand 

  what's been before, 

the deepness of soul, 

the grating caused.

 

it goes on ...... 

Reviews

[redd Brick Keshner]

Makes us wonder if the talking takes from the living... thank you for nudging the thoughts to ponder such things. It's such a large life to live, specially when people choose to value more of life than the superficialities that so easily ensnare us, one and all. Thanks for sharing. Frederick

[Richard M]

Thank you for reading my rant.

[Lydia Shutter]

Your feelings are valid....never allow the world to bury them. It is criminal the way certain groups in society are held up on pedestals while others are ignored or shunned. There is a lot of justified anger in your words. Well written. Lydi**

[Richard M]

Thank you Lydi for your reading and your understanding.
Richard

[Chris Shaw]

The feeling of exclusion is painful and I felt that very much dear Richard in your lines. You have every right to be as vocal as you like. How do others know what it is like to walk in your shoes? They don't. Many people forca multitude of reasons think they are on the outside looking in. That is sad and an uncomfortable place to be. We all need to be more caring, kind and thoughtful. A sad read my friend.

Chris

[Richard M]

I'm so glad, that you of all people, got to read this Chris. Thank you for your words and understanding.
Richard

[Chris Shaw]

Happy Easter Richard and thank you for that lovely message.

Chris

[Lisasview]

Good morning from Spain,
Second poem I have read of yours Richard...
Yes, not seeing beyond reality is to the point...and, oh so sad...
Where can one go to be free all this...interesting line...makes one ponder the answer.. Is there one?
Thank you for sharing..
You might like one of mine..Perhaps, Miles Apart or Hand~In~Hand..
Lisa

[Richard M]

Thank you Lisa for reading and your words. I was in two minds as to whether I'd post this poem, but in the end glad I did. This poem and issue just scream at me by the year. Thank you again for your response and for understanding my direction.
Take care my friend.
Richard

[Lisasview]

You are most welcome Richard...