I Really Don't Know

free thoughts, free verse (mostly), and free hope

My tears are not like precious diamonds

My eyes do not sparkle with joy

My frown is only a furrow on my brow

My personality is not like a jewel

I don't often say witty things

Very little wit is found within it

I have no large anime eyes

My mouth is nothing like a rose bud

Neither is it called generous

My white skin is not like alabaster or moon

I wasn't born with a silver spoon

My body isn't muscular, reedy or in shape

My chin is not pointy nor is it strong

My hair is far too unreasonably long

And I never know all the words to a song

I cannot usefully turn straw into gold

Nor quicken that which is icy cold

I can't pretend to be young when I'm old

I cannot hear the nightingale sing

Only a crow's call enters my ears

And sometimes a ringing not explained

I am not cool, beautiful, fascinating, brilliant

I'm also not finished nor have a clue

Except maybe that's how we sail on through

Author's Note

what feelings are you left with after reading this?
does the rhyme and rhythm get in the way?
please include any constructive criticism you'd like

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

This is a poem of honesty; very few people can criticize themselves in a way in which you have done; but honesty is such an important attribute. It seems as though you are looking back on your life, as the ending proves, and that you are aging and able to remember all the details of your personality quite well. Nice poem, I like it!!!

[LJ]

Thank you much for the encouraging words!

[Betty Hermelee]

You're welcome!

[Unspoken poet]

Wow, this is quite a wonderful, intriguing write. I enjoyed this, it is very honest. Nicely written

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I think you're a bit modest about your exceptional powers. Perhaps you can't spin straw into gold but who would want Rumpelstiltskin as a muse? You spin wonderful word webs like a beautiful writing spider. I have that ringing in my ears as well but I just stopped answering the phone. (smile) Seriously though, the tinnitus is no laughing matter. I do think, however, your list of self evaluations may have missed the tip of the iceberg when it came to your talent. Personally, I think you're much brighter than your not so sparkling self-review. And its made evident by your pen and poetry. Great writing, my friend.

[LJ]

Thank you! I realize I go a little over the top on these comparisons to what are often literary cliches, but I don't think anyone fits them, so I wasn't necessarily aiming this only at me. Still, it's very good to read a comment like yours, one that mentions the power of words. That you called this "great writing" makes me very happy, and also pleased we read each other's work now and then. You're very kind to me.