Complicated Notes

So many voices.
Competing 
for Real Estate 
in my head.

“You’ll always be a loser”
“He’s smarter.”
“She’s better than you.”
“Why are you so stupid.”
“You’ll never amount to anything.”
“No one wants you.”

“Wait”
“Stop!”
“Don’t listen to them.”
“You deserve to be happy.”
“You’re lovable.”

“DUMMY!”
“Idiot!”

“Those voices are lying to you.”
“You’ve come so far.”
You’ve got this.”
“You have so much to offer.”

Sometimes,
I can push the bad voices
deep down inside.
I put a cork in it,
place glittering gold foil on top to make it pretty. 
I install a wire cage around my neck
so my cork doesn’t pop.
The bubbles are kept at bay
year after year.
I’m both transparent and contained,
trying to decide if I’m ready,
Am I properly aged?
Is this my special occasion?
“They don’t want you.”
Self doubt whispers from deep within me.
Shame for what was done to me.
A gentle hand caresses my neck.
“You are ready.”
“Champagne must be shared!”

“Okay, I trust you.
Please don’t shake me,
I’ve already been shook,
shaken to my core.
Open me slowly, 
pour me into  crystal flutes.
Let me sparkle,
shine sunlight through me.
Smell my essence,
let me tickle your nose.
Feel my notes on your tongue.
Everything I have ever been
presented for your pleasure.
Only to be shared with a precious few.
The ones who love me.
The ones who spoke kind words into my soul.
My flavour, like me, is complicated.
Yes, I can be intoxicating.
So please drink me with care.”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Manassian Avatar
December 7, 2024 at 12:05 AM
So good to read this again, Richard. Listen only to the voices of those who know your true worth. Your writing is to be celebrated as is your soul. Blessings
Greenhough Avatar
August 16, 2024 at 9:53 AM
It's difficult to overcome bully words in our lives. Success is still the best tact.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 17, 2024 at 3:52 AM
Indeed, thanks for commenting.
Radice Avatar
August 10, 2024 at 11:08 AM
Your words sparkle Richard. It’s been a great year for your poetry. Cheers - Gary
Lamoureux Avatar
August 11, 2024 at 4:52 AM
Thanks Gary.
Manassian Avatar
July 25, 2024 at 10:13 PM
Stupendous write. I hope you consider me one of those precious few. I have often been intoxicated by your poetry and sharing of self. Blessings
Manassian Avatar
July 25, 2024 at 11:30 PM
And to you, Richard. We've been on PS a long long time. Hope you never leave.
Lamoureux Avatar
July 25, 2024 at 11:22 PM
Indeed I do. Blessings dear Eileen.
Daniel Avatar
July 25, 2024 at 6:19 AM
An uplifting write, Richard:)
Lamoureux Avatar
July 25, 2024 at 11:42 AM
Much appreciated.
Wolf Avatar
July 21, 2024 at 5:49 PM
Those negative voices do more damage than we can imagine. Gotta bubble up to the surface somehow. Cheers, Gershon
Lamoureux Avatar
July 25, 2024 at 11:42 AM
Thanks Gershon.
Vaso Avatar
July 19, 2024 at 11:21 PM
All I can say is you are a positive addition to the human race, leave being an idiot for me! :) loved the poem. and i meant what I said, you are a very kind person.
Lamoureux Avatar
July 21, 2024 at 12:16 PM
Awww thanks. What’s nice thing to say.
Onclaud Avatar
July 19, 2024 at 10:13 PM
the strength of your words makes this verse a most enduring one... amazing, rich!
Lamoureux Avatar
July 21, 2024 at 12:16 PM
You are kind.
Greenhough Avatar
July 19, 2024 at 9:02 PM
This is an interesting poem. The deep feelings of unworthiness seem to encourage drinking, but not drinking just anything. The addictive culprit is champagne. I love this story.
Lamoureux Avatar
July 21, 2024 at 12:17 PM
Thanks Hilda.
Rodrigues Avatar
July 19, 2024 at 8:08 PM
Love this! We all must be kind to ourselves. Shut out the unkind. Blessings ~ Kim
Lamoureux Avatar
July 19, 2024 at 8:26 PM
Thanks for reading and being the first to leave a comment.
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