Who Am I?

I was born an innocent child.

An unpainted canvas, full of possibilities.

A whole person.

Complete and unabashed.

Eventually, I grew up.

I got a job and compromised for it.

I met a girl and compromised for her.

I bought a house with neighbors and compromised for them.

I had children and compromised for them.

People didn't like my beliefs, so I compromised.

Today I went to the store.

I compromised when they cut me off, pushed me, shoved me & talked about me.

I compromised when I didn't get what I had asked for.

When I got home, I looked in the mirror.

There was no one looking back at me anymore.

There was nothing wrong with the paint on the canvas.

The problem was that I had never let it fully dry ...

Reviews

[DeerInHeadlights]

and this will smack you right in the gut because it is the truth. we are born to BE- not to merely drift in and out of each day putting ourselves aside- and in this I would rather make mistakes along the way rather than live in mediocrity with a trail of what ifs behind me.

[Pete]

I'd rather be hated for who I am than liked for who I'm not.

[DeerInHeadlights]

I hate what "life" reduces us down to. it is sad.

[Pete]

What you just wrote is a poem in and of itself. I agree.

[D]

And thus your image became just a blur... Well. you'll have to repaint it...and let it dry. well penned

[Pete]

Not repaint it. Just let what's already there dry with a little touch up around the edges. Never had the courage/faith/fortitude to be who I was without compromising to meet the needs of others. Being a Christian doesn't mean that we have to be a door mat for people. Thanks for the read. I enjoy your reviews.

[D]

You gotta be who you are. The only other thing to keep in mind, is "treat others as you expect them to treat you" two simple lines to follow. lol. I'm saying that like it was always that easy .. no. but that's how (in my opinion) it's right.

[D]

I like the picture too. Reminds me of how dictators forced their crap on people, and still do today...dare to say no...and we'll you'll see.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Thankyou for voicing that the dream of what is crying out within is all important. I know it is all about balance but not to leave our dreams behind..............................Your poem was so right on! Blessings Kathy

[Pete]

Thanks so much Kathy. Always appreciate your take on things.

[Xxxxxx]

Wow, so true. Think everyone feels this way at a point in there life. This poem brought me back to my childhood and my life. Great, poem.

[Pete]

Glad it resonated with you. Appreciate the read.

[Hebe]

Last phrase says it all... hopefully we realize sooner rather than later! great work..

[Pete]

I realized later. I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not. - Kurt Cobain
read moreI realized later. I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not. - Kurt Cobain

Thanks for thoughtful review. Best regards.

[Diamond]

This is so apt to the current living condition of a sensible human being. In that I mean that compromising is a sensible person's job. I was drawn by the title since I have one of my writings with the same title but different perspective. Was curious about your interpretation of the question of "Who am I". The last stanza of the poem has taken the whole read to a different outset. Good one!!

[Pete]

Thank you so much. Appreciate the read.

[ReedWrite]

Kind of the point I tried to make with my poem, Masks. Life changes us, and we play the part society demands...accepting compromise. I've heard all my life that I need to grow up...do it this way, think that way, be cognizant of what the neighbors will think and say...shove my heart and spirit into the dark little box that society says is acceptable. At some point, you look in the mirror and realize you've given away too much of who you are...compromised too much. I love this poem. It speaks to me.

[Pete]

Thank you so much. I appreciate that and your writing speaks to me as well.

[Urja Gokani]

amazingly written keep it up !!

[Pete]

Thanks so much for the read. Regards.

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

How interesting this is! I often feel like a stepford person too. I remember my portrait.

[Pete]

Thanks for stopping by & peeking into my world.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

You did such a good job here of showing how, little by little, a person can completely lose who they are. The illustration adds to this...great idea and well expressed! :)

[Pete]

Sad but true. Thanks so much for reviewing.