Things Inside

Who hears the fishes when they cry? - Thoreau

sometimes i cry

when no one's looking

i turn away

i don't know why

i just feel

things inside

i can see through the opaque

x-raying the soul

like when i meet a boldfaced lie

another part of me dies

when i've run out of pretends

in my extensive wardrobe including a fake smile with a cordial guise

along with watery eyes

Author's Note

“Most men cry better than they speak. You get more nurture out of them by pinching than addressing them.” - Thoreau

Reviews

[Samuel Dickens]

I should envy men who cry. It's only natural, I know, but there's something in me that makes it very difficult. Possibly, it all got wrung out of me when I was a child, enduring the war between my parents.
This poem tells me that your safety valve is in good shape. Ps--I love Jethro Tull. Always have, always will.

[Pete]

many think of it as a weakness but i consider it a strength to be able to feel deeply and sympathize. seems we have a couple of things in common - parents who warred and a love of jethro tull. thank you for the supportive, understanding words sd. appreciated ... :)

[Poetic Beauty]

It sucks when being lied to about anything and turning away to shield watery eyes that many men will do. Depending on the man they don’t want to be seen as weak or vulnerable. All the while they are crushed.

I am perpetually surrounded by alpha dominant males and they are like this. If you really know them you can tell in subtle ways they are hurting. It’s key to pay attention closely and lend and ear or shoulder but not over pry at the same time.

This is a topic in which most don’t write about. I wrote about my friends sadness after his baby was carried away on angel when’s when she was born too early. Most thought I was talking about her mom not her dad. I

This definitely makes me think and hopefully others will think too

[Pete]

as i get older i can more and more sense phoniness and that something isn't right. seems there is little place for crying in our materialistic society. what's wrong with being real? so sorry about your friend's baby. thanks for the share pb ... :)

[Poetic Beauty]

You are welcome. I as a woman don’t dry very often especially in front of people because I don’t want to seem like I’m being overly dramatic and I also don’t want to people to know when I’m vulnerable but I am a complicated person.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank goodness that stuff upper lip is not what it was. Men can be just as sensitive as women. Let the tears fall, better out than in says I. There should be no need to pretend and hide powerful emotion. Strong write Pete.

Chris

[Pete]

thanks chris. 'nuff said i guess ... :)

[John the Baptist]

Unfortunately, people do lie, some of them in high places. Remember, ultimately the lie hurts them more than it does you.

[Pete]

... and some people live them. denial ain't just a river in egypt. thanks j the b ... :)

[Einstein Noodle]

sure enjoy everything you created here Pete! ..captivating pic ..emotive in itself ... we do hide .. especially men .. its what we do .. everyone pretends and puts on costumes .. until we know better .. when a deep sorrow pierces men's hearts and souls .. years and years afterwards .. they erupt at the most strange and inopportune moments .. and we don't know why .. but we do know why ;) great stuff all around sir. so glad I did not miss this .. and Jethro! what can I say about Jethro .. he sure has changed hasn't he .. in costume anyway ;) while listening I'm like ... where is your flute??? your hair .. your beard and hat???? but he is there in his music without doubt .. and then finally out comes his flute ... great stuff .. loved the experience you share!
E.

[Pete]

is what we do but after a while you get tired of hiding and need to be real. we do know why because we've buried so much and it eventually finds its way out - various things can trigger. ian anderson is a musical genius, and a brilliant poet in his lyrics. yes, he's aged but the music is still in him, wonderful as ever - and oh that flute, what a master! i've always loved tull since i discovered them as a kid. thanks for checking in e. always a pleasure ... :)

[Einstein Noodle]

reminds me of this one too .. your poem does
https://youtu.be/37dw2r45Xzg

[Pete]

wow. leon russell '71 - that voice, great stuff. i don't think he visited the barber very often ... :)

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Wonderful poem and speaks to our empathetic nature and strong compassion. I wish everyone could feel this way in the world today. I especially loved this part; "i can see through the opaque...x-raying the soul". Thank you for sharing your art.

[Pete]

what a wonderful world it would be if we could feel more for each other as well as ourselves. understanding others is overlooked in our "me" society. thanks for sharing carlos ... :)

[lightsong]

I have always been a mermaid so I am familiar with those hidden cries, and heard precious tears locked inside hearts. and I see You here too Pete, that beautiful knowing and sentient being,

"i just feel
things inside

i can see through the opaque
like when i meet a boldfaced lie"

a person who is a seer will face all of this, and at a young age he will still need to develop more talent so when he is keeping his isolation instead of making it hurtful, turns it to a peaceful one, specially when he witness the curliness of the world, it will shock him greatly and he will shrink back. and as for the tears of a man, as I've said in one of my poems ( a man's tear has no words, it's a whole world :) ), and yes... encourage him to shed more and release it all and not to suppress it inside.

[Pete]

insightful thoughts. i gather much depth and feeling in you. the world is cruel and getting more so by the day. i am shocked and saddened by some of the things that takes place. i can be my own worst enemy when i get inside of myself and ruminate too much. great share. thank you lightsong ... :)

[Fran Marie]

and no one heard the
silent tears streaming
down the face..its
definitely okay to cry

a man who cries
shows a deep loving
soul; a core of tenderness

[Pete]

i've always been an emotional person - i feel for others as well as myself - the sensitive type. other guys consider it a weakness. not understood in society. thanks fran ...

[Fran Marie]

you re welcome Pete
I think it a sign of strength.