You always said
people were defined
by the words they spoke,
and the actions they took.
But, when it came
ao our relationship,
I disagree.
Instead, we were defined
by blanks;
silences;
missed glances;
unanswered questions.
We were cowards,
when it came to You and I.
We took the easy way out.
At some point
it was decided,
by general consensus,
we worked best
if we avoided discussing
our weak points.
Instead,
we concentrated
on improving our strengths.
Like most one-sided states,
we both thought
we'd tip over
with the sheer immensity
Of our ignorance.
Yet we lasted a lifetime together.
I often said
I could never imagine
anything better
and I know
you couldn't either.
It is pretty sad to think now
how much better
we might have been
if we’d faced,
and conquered,
our weaknesses
together.
Comments
liplash | July 23, 2008 - 09:40
It's always hard to face up to weakness in yourself and so easy to point it out in others - especially those we're supposed to love
Good thoughts Maso
Dynamaso | July 23, 2008 - 10:20
Thanks heaps, liplash. I don't strictly think it is being dishonest with each other, but it is very close, isn't it?
capoeiragem | July 23, 2008 - 12:09
Really liked the lines:
Like most one-sided states,
we both thought
we'd tip over
with the sheer immensity
Of our ignorance
It's unfortunate that relationships can so often be defined by missed glances and unanswered questions, and that we are so often afraid to face up to the problems that exist beneath the surface. And then you look back and realise that if only you'd both been stronger things could have been so different... an idea which I think the poem captures perfectly.
anipani | July 23, 2008 - 13:32
i liked the honesty in this, and echo the above. Poignant, and painful.
Nymph | July 23, 2008 - 20:52
A shot to the heart this. I know nothing about form and function but the sentiment is spot on.
Beautifully written, Mark
Hx
Dynamaso | July 24, 2008 - 00:18
Capoeiragem, thanks very much for your comments. I think real strength, inner strength, comes from being able to not only celebrate the strengths but define and repair the weaknesses as well. It is a hard thing to do and often times opens a can of worms that can be extremely difficult to close. Honesty all comes at a price, doesn't it?
Anipani, thanks a lot for your comments as well. Much appreciated.
Nymph, thanks heaps to you too.
Doeslittle | July 27, 2008 - 10:12
Very clever idea and very well done. Liked it a lot.
Dynamaso | July 28, 2008 - 00:26
Doeslittle, thanks again for reading and for commenting.