On the Inside

I'm not judgmental.
I don't hold grudges.
In fact, I forgive easily.

I know how it is to be an addict.
I know how it effects the soul.

I want to be your friend.
I want to see you be the real you.

 

Do you?
Am I supposed to be a robot, ready when you snap a finger?
Was my timing not perfect?

 

Yes, you think I planned it this way.
Subconsciously, I didn't.

 

Hey, let's face it, I won't make excuses,
I am affected.
You can't be in my brain to see.
But believe me, I know.

It would be a privilege to see.
Or would it be a tragedy?

Too much for another to handle,
For the water runs so deep.

Strength doesn't endure in another,
If only at his timing.

 

I am human.
I have the right to make choices.
I have the right to make mistakes.
My slate is clean, cleaner than yours -
If you are taking score.

 

I don't hate.
I don't hold grudges,
But I will never forget.

Reviews

[The Tao of Bri]

FIEST!!! NICE! Yes... I love it how people are always ready to point their fingers at someone else but never own their own stuff. Hypercritical people usually have a lot of their own stuff they are afraid to face so they project it out on others. This is such a poem that calls them out lets them know they need to walk the wlak not jsut talk the talk!

[Barbara Walker]

Really feel the anger and the strength in this poem! Good job! Barbara eyepoetress

[JRB]

I feel the anger of a questioning spirit, who's wings, hang low in earthly appearance, looking up again, to the winds and not staring downward towards the breeze. I enjoyed this piece.

Jan/Uisiom

[Bennett Logan]

I agree with a previous reviewer who said that this sounds almost apologetic, but I also think that this sounds like the narrator of the last six stanzas is rationalizing to him/herself out loud. And at some point or another, we've all made similar realizations about ourselves. This is especially the case after a particularly mentally or physically taxing day. That makes this, in my opinion, highly accessible.

As far as the first stanza is concerned, it sounds as though the other person in this conversation is being comforting. Therefore, I found the transition between the first two stanzas kind of difficult. The initial reaction from the narrator in red is one of maybe anger and definately defiance. That being the case, I think that the first stanza could be a bit more antagonistic so that the last six stanzas can be better justified.

Otherwise, I enjoyed the poem. It's evident that you got something off of your chest that clearly needed to be rationalized. Definately keep up the good work.

[Antony]

This almost sounds like an apology, for someone elses shortcomings, you face your own demons with truth, wanting to let someone know, they should do the same, but letting them know the scars are there forever. You expressed this very well. Good powerful statements in this piece.
Antony

[Dionysus Cain]

i will not forget , was the best part of this to me.... that phrase alone would make any one think.. very well done!

[An owl on the moon]

Fiercely vivid and fully alive! Powerful words of humanity, forgiveness, and simply moving on... Your conversational style here is so fluid and clear.

Craig

[James K. Blaylock]

Boy, do I know this feeling all too well! It seems even if we're trying our best, that's when others are only looking to call us out on our remaining faults, sadly. Instead of trying to cleaning up their own act...

jkb