Individuality

by Saakiel   Sep 4, 2017


You call it an outlet, an art expression,
an extension of being, a process of becoming
conscious with yourself, or a way to get in
touch with your deeper thoughts–
with what is within.

You are too convinced that connecting
is disclosing most of what you are made of,
that you fail to recognize you already fall deep
in the abyss of seeking–of presenting.

You are a slave of your own covered system
hidden behind angst and denial of attention–
of affection you always crave.

All the magic tricks are revealed,
and the trapdoor was painted in red.
Everyone can see it.
Everyone knows.
But you still continue to play pretend.
You become the amused kid in your own show.

What a pity to look at a man who lose track of
his own soul, maneuvering out from the labyrinth
his mind has made. What a pity to see a man
losing to his own mind games.

How do you keep your mystery
from all the things you feel obligated to tell?

    report violation
4


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Latest Comments

  • 6 years ago

    by Nick

    This poem gave me the bizarre feeling of "reading my own thoughts" As it sounds like the escape the author describes here could easily apply to writing poetry itself. I feel it is especially true in regard to my earlier high school writings from many years ago. It's crazy, the poem almost feels invasive in that regard because it strikes me almost as more of a reality check: What AM I writing for?

    What might be the thing that compels us to write what we write? It's so easy indeed, to fall into the trap that we start to feel our writing is this excuse... a medium in which we can express ourselves and hope people can appreciate. Yet, sometimes I think this results in our own detriment, as the expectation of feedback/praise/scorn, and receiving it (or lack thereof) can be devastating to one's self esteem at times.

    If we truly enjoy writing, and enjoy poetry as tool to engage with it, then the act of writing itself should be all we need for it to be fulfilling as a method/form of expression.

    I appreciate the manner in which this poem helps me keep track of my own soul :)

    Incredible work here! Very nicely done!

    • 6 years ago

      by Saakiel

      Hi Nick. I feel so happy that this piece comes to you so easy. That's exactly the place where, when I wrote this one, I hold and dwell onto. There's a fave comedian I have that talked about the cultivation of performing in the society. And yes there is nothing wrong with performing, if it makes you happy and it's your passion, but you are entirely right. I believe that when we as artists/performers, even just an individuals do what we do just to seek for applause to validate that we are doing well, I guess that's a behavior we need to unlearn. I understand the concept behind reinforcements but in great words of Bo Burnham 'if we can live our lives without an audience we should'. All best.

      xxx

  • 7 years ago

    by Em

    There is nothing else I can add. Fantastic work as ever

    • 7 years ago

      by Saakiel

      thanks em. <3 but i would appreciate constructive comments from you knowing that you really write well <3

  • 7 years ago

    by Michael

    Shane,
    This is a fabulous piece of writing, very well constructed of someone hiding behind a mask, so to speak.
    Well done

    Michael :)

    • 7 years ago

      by Saakiel

      Hi Michael. Thank you. hihi but what mask?

  • 7 years ago

    by mossgirl19

    There is so much truth in this write. The feeling of being obligated to be someone else may have been felt by many of us. Using the word labyrinth here was fitting, as we do entangle ourselves up in dilemmas we have created. 'Losing track of his own soul' is a powerful line.

    A piece with strength. Great write!

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