The Unsaid

F**k you,

He said.

But he meant

you hurt me.

 

You slammed the door.

But you meant

I’m sorry.

 

I’m angry,

you cried.

But you meant

please explain.

 

I hate you,

he breathed.

Meaning please understand.

 

Down cast eyes that plead to be seen,

a defiant heart craves a shoulder to lean on.

 

Hot tears burn rivers down ice-cold cheeks,

whilst the turmoil inside hostility breeds.

 

Wrongs endured by each generation

are buried within and then reincarnated.

 

The tragedy of confusing respect with fear,

a shadow cast from yesteryear.

 

Words that cut like a blow to the chest,

voiced in desperation, lingering taste of regret.

 

Words, intended to bridge the gap,

tempestuously descend into attack.

 

There must be a path to climb above

this cycle of vitriol masquerading as love.

 

To reach the potential of our evolution,

be a paradigm shift, in the human condition.

 

Strive for understanding, cast judgment away.

Break the cycle, make the change.

 

 

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

well said says i! well said indeed ... intrigued by the title, your poem then really drew me in .. was not sure which direction it would take ... subtle at first .. but so clear as the wisdom unfolds .. abuse is so horrid .. and those who get sucked into the cycle simply have to find great courage to get out of it .. and perps need deep help that only jail, long therapy, or death seems to help alleviate their great anger and pain... i feel angry just thinking about it, elle ... i have 2 daughters and 2 sons .. i don't know what i would do if any of them suffered or became abusive ... your message is clear .. important and sadly always relevant ... a terrible cycle that requires great power to break and destroy ..of course this can be taken on a less serious level .. one in which we all can relate .. sometimes we are disconnected from true intention .. and things come out all wrong ... or we may be passive aggressive .. a no win situation :) you got me going this morning ... well done!
E.

[wordman]

i think we all have been here,you explained it so well

[danielle.]

Thanks, I’m pleased you can relate.

[wordman]

you`re welcome

[barleygirl]

This is the poster child for "show instead of tell" which is especially well-suited for your message. Some writers try to say similar things but it ends up sounding preachy becuz it's expressed this way: "you should do this and you should do that." The beauty of your approach is that there's not a shred of judgment or blame, just a continual comparison of the basic human flaws that we all have, compared to the earnest intentions we often fail to deliver on! Your examples are excellent & well-worded to be very relatable & inclusive. This is very pertinent to today's world especially (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Coyote Poetry]

Your words are true. Unsaid words could make things less painful. Your words realistic and honest emotions. Thank you for sharing the powerful poetry.
Coyote

[Karen Redburn]

This is an excellent poem on the past intruding on the present and future. There is a way, however it is only in those calm moments when both parties have learned a new language that change begins. It is a slow process, but entirely possible if both are committed to change those demons of the past into angels of the present. You have so inspired me this morning with this poem. Thank you!

[danielle.]

You are exactly right, it is a new language that needs to be learned, I am hopeful. Thank for your review, I'm glad you can relate.

[Tony]

It’s always hard to find the right words in the heat of the moment. That’s probably why we write.

[danielle.]

True, the heat of the moment is the hardest time to say the right thing, but it is also the most important time to try.

[.]

Hmmm. Very relatable!

It always is the case; that words uttered in anger always seem to have an unsaid, ulterior meaning. This is one of the complexities of the human psyche. It would be such a carefree, loving, joyous world if all interactions between lovers, friends, family and strangers were open, honest and devoid of vicious intent. Unfortunately that is an impossibility.

So, we all should be able to relate to this write, 'elle. Unless of course we are not of this Earth! I hope your "unsaid" words are always kind and gentle. Nicely written.

[danielle.]

To hope for utopia would definitely be unrealistic, but I do believe that something closer to it is achievable in the realm of ordinary life. Thanks Doodley xx