Sometimes

Alone is a state of mind

 

Sometimes

 

In crowded room

filled to capacity

wall to wall people

faces in drastic shapes and sizes

expressions fleeting and comical

voices gather into one sound

like the roar of an engine

constantly locked in neutral

revving at the slightest whim

never going anywhere

 

Yet here I stand

 

Nothing special

unnoticed as if in a room filled with mirrors

staring at myself

wondering why I am even here

reversed order, backwards is forwards

steps move in differing directions

and I come to realize

that sometimes

all we have…

is ourselves

 

 

 

Reviews

[Ang Boyce]

I love the image you chose Jack. And you made great use of the layout to illustrate the feeling of being less and less significant. I really like this writing. Ang.

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much Ang. I appreciate you visiting my piece and leaving such kind words for me.

[ayosonolowo]

Nicely done
i like the way you arrenged it

[Jack...]

Thank you so much

[Quill~]

This is different from your usual romantic pieces Jack. I find this sad and powerful. I have anxieties that work against me in settings like this, so needless to say, I can relate.
Great write!

[Jack...]

Thank you so much. Sometimes we all get a little low, thank you for reading and commenting on my poem. I appreciate you.

[Quill~]

yes we do. Thanks for sharing.

[Jack...]

Thank you for reading.

[Quill~]

:) my pleasure.

[redflutterby]

Oh Jack...this is so amazing. In style and verse... I think you've read my mind on this one. Poignant my sweet friend.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much my friend. Wow, nice avatar. :)

[Frieda P]

Snickering over here ;-)

[redflutterby]

Oh lord..don't even go there...if I start laughing again I'm going to strain a muscle. Lmao... ;-pp

[Frieda P]

Lol now I'm way past snickering....! ;-)

[redflutterby]

Look who popped up.... Ha!! Alright Miss Smarty pants....lol.;-p

[Jack...]

What was that Humble Pie song? Hot and nasty...yeah baby.

[Frieda P]

Hey I thought you could take a licking and keep on ticking hon? ;-) Just saying.....

[redflutterby]

Omg....bahahaha....I think I've corrupted you Jack!!!

[Frieda P]

Ouch, I laughed so hard it hurt! hahahaha

[redflutterby]

Holy crap Frieda...okay I'm going to hide in that damn closet again. ;-ppp

[Jack...]

Which closet? I'm there...

[redflutterby]

Heeheehee....the coat closet.... ;-)

[Jack...]

What about the pantry...you know, in case i get hungry

[redflutterby]

Oh....there's so many things I could say to that Jack...so many things..
HA...

[Frieda P]

Potato salad again Jack? ;-)

[Jack...]

yeah, potato salad would be good, I nice big vat of it, big enough for two. :)>

[redflutterby]

Uhmmmm....that would be in the frig....not the pantry. Unless you want food poisoning. Just saying... ;-p

[Jack...]

Three. :)>>>>>

[redflutterby]

Bahahaha...Jack hun....step away from the potato salad. You're about to get over your head.... ;-p

[Jack...]

I can only be a gentleman for so long...

[redflutterby]

Lol.....I see that. ;-))

[Clockwork]

You really bring this sensation to life. The image of that room with mirrors in the second stanza is a really powerful one when applied to the idea of being out in public as people go on living their lives in secret. The way you use the simile of the engine roaring in the first stanza really creates a palpable atmosphere, and immures the reader in the true loneliness of that encounter.

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much. I appreciate your thoughful and kind review of my work. The revving engine is kind of how I hear the din of a crowd, like cicada's in the summer trees.

[Clockwork]

You're welcome Jack. That though is particularly stunning...I hear the cicada's calling from somewhere beyond my window...

[InsanityWriter]

Quite true, and powerfully put, I know exactly what you're taking about. Excellent piece!!!

[Jack...]

Thanks so much.

[prachi prangya agasti]

powerful piece of poem... loved it... and nicely portrayed...

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much.

[Cassie]

I hate to get to a moment where i am all by myself. This is so nice as well

[Jack...]

Thanks Cassie, Emotions run like an elevator...too many ups and downs.

[one sky]

Full of strength and power. Being alone and surviving in all circumstances, is a strong characteristic. We shall rely to ourselves and of course to our only one God. Sometimes, others could not give us the comfort that we need...
You are not alone in that situation. I, too, have the same feeling, but it won't stop me from doing my passion and my dream. Time can heal...remember that. If we cannot please others, at least we can please ourselves.

A heartfelt piece...but still a great write. Nice format.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much Margaux. Very true, time does heal, but time seems to move so slowly in these instances. I appreciate your kind words.

[ShelleyA]

Wow, Jack. Skillfully crafted free verse. Heartfelt and introspective. Powerful images. Deep expression of emotion. Yes, I can relate to these feelings of being alone in a room filled with people... wondering, "why am I here?" Excellent closing lines.

[Jack...]

Thank you very much Shelley. I am happy you stopped by.

[ShelleyA]

You're very welcome Jack. Have a great day!