Not What it Seems

written for a contest- a memoir in 250 words or less, with defined start and finish

Oh? Then I should speak…of the little girl who was told: to save the world, that love is not important, and no matter what, don’t dare ever let others know you have feelings.

So. She wears a mask, hides behind façade of calmness, takes it all in stride… a professional success. But the truth is she’s a poet- she remembers meeting spirit guides while a babe, a white girl called to Native path.

She feels your pain as hers. She uncloaks at night, tears flowing, heals others from afar, walks in two worlds while others struggle in one. Shrugs, maybe nothing is real anyway?

Denied love, she never did quite get that part right- her soulmate is a married man, known her whole life. Her real partners fled in succession. Her passion for all things living sustains her- not a companion.

She carries more scars than most, less than some, but they are all on the inside. Ask her sometime how old her children would be. She still needs to save the world- but first, she must forgive herself.

Her skills and mind  her absolution, she hones them like knives she uses to cut to the truth of any situation. A survival tactic, learned from ascetic self-reliance. Animals flock to her, as kin, while people let her pass.

Before you say to her, “I wish I could be like you, you have done so much”- consider:

that she would smile and say, “That is only appearance”.



 

Reviews

[Through the Gateway]

What right have others to tell a child not to emote? That feelings are something to be ashamed of? Who knows better how to "save the world" than a child who can reach inside herself and feel?

This piece is exceptionally well written, Marie, and is very sharp. The pain you feel as you write your words and tell your tale is one that would send most screaming into the night. Indeed, what appearances do we each show the world that make others so envious of our lives, especially when they have no idea how we sometimes envy them for not feeling the pain of the world surrounding them.

But perhaps a note of hope? Perhaps the mere acknowledgment of the dark memoir has given way for something else.

Perhaps...you are no longer alone in your plight.

Excellent. Truly excellent.9

[Emily B]

I'm sorry I missed this earlier. I can completely relate. Beautiful words. . . .

[Tovli]

I loved this. wonderful! so sorry for the length in getting back with everyone. a lot of techno problems; life in general and so on....tovli

[papaed]

Truth with a capital 'T'. A short bio makes us look inside and reflect on our feelings, reasons, motivations, and revealed appearance. You've written this well... drew me right in and made me want to hug you and think of an applicable well wishing.
Peace and Love,
papaed

[:)]

I can definitely relate was my first thought after reading this...

Your sincerity in this piece has touched a part of my heart but it also gives me hope.
This testimony is still missing an ending :)

Lovely write lady...

[Closed Account]

this is really nice. i like it. Great job! =)

[Rick Puetter]

Dear Marie,

Wow, this is very nice. You have a wonderful way of getting down to the nitty-gritty. You knock down the walls of fascade so easily. Interesting that you feel that most of your life remains fascade when you see through this so easily. But then this fascade is really for others, isn't it. You know, and reveal here, the inner person. Such a clear and painful picture, so much sacrifice and hoping for more. And it's true, animals don't seemed to be fooled, do they? They often seem to see more deeply than do people.

Marvelous write. I continue to be impressed.

Best regards,

Rick