Condition

The me that is me is often mislaid,           
                 perhaps by intention to shelter my fear
For what if my mirror reflected my soul,
                       would the world still want me

The science of hiding perfects within time
                Its nature is such that a new me is born
It’s easy to zipper the old one away
             and go about life with a safer veneer

But what are the chances forever in life
                Disguises discovered are rarely excused
No matter the reasons or cause of dismay  
                For love of a lifetime, honesty wins

Yet where is the courage to offer the truth
     What touches the surface still fondles my heart
And now there is you to gamble my feelings
                  Oh, when and just how will I know

Though view of my favor can somewhat be real
                       Selected acceptable elements hold
If what you had wanted to see, disappeared  
                        could you justify what remains 

I ask of you now, facades put aside
           This metaphor dangling in dangerous hope
If I were another and you didn’t know it, 
         would you love me still, if I wasn’t a poet
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Lamoureux Avatar
September 14, 2023 at 6:10 PM
I think she would love you and then that Love would transform you into a poet.
Gentile Avatar
September 15, 2023 at 4:23 AM
Lovely thoughts Richard, Thank you !!!
One Avatar
September 13, 2023 at 1:24 PM
So many will relate to your words Mike.. we all seek sincerity, but some lack it.. Thanks for writing and congratulations on your placement.
Gentile Avatar
September 13, 2023 at 3:12 PM
Thank you Silent One, I was thinking of how so often we present what we think people want to see in order for them to love us. The contest was challenging and fun for me and I am so glad that you liked it!!!
Messina Avatar
September 13, 2023 at 4:57 AM
Most would love you just the way you are, my friend. Many can relate to this- I'm sure. But please...keep on writing we love you as a poet too! All the best.. Charlie
Gentile Avatar
September 13, 2023 at 5:10 AM
You're the best Charlie, Thank you!!!
Bowring Avatar
September 10, 2023 at 9:19 AM
I love this free verse Mike. So real and unpretentious. So well written with a lovely flow. ‘For what if my mirror reflected my soul’- so beautiful. Great lines of verse. Enjoyed reading it. Thank you for sharing. Have a great week ahead.
Gentile Avatar
September 10, 2023 at 10:35 AM
Christina, thank you, such a lovely compliment!! Happy Sunday xxoo
Stark Avatar
September 9, 2023 at 1:04 AM
Hauntingly beautiful
Gentile Avatar
September 10, 2023 at 8:24 AM
Thank you Curie!!!
Pandit Avatar
September 8, 2023 at 7:33 AM
A beautiful blend of life and romance, emotions that sometimes fear and doubt. Love always wins my friend. You shine as always in this signature style, Mike.
Gentile Avatar
September 10, 2023 at 8:23 AM
Thank you as always Vijay for your kind comments!!
Andresen Avatar
September 5, 2023 at 6:51 AM
- No one has a guarantee for ALWAYS ... beautifully written, Mike :) - Whoever knows the essence of love ... will love you regardless :) - Best wishes in the contest :) - hugs
Gentile Avatar
September 7, 2023 at 11:57 AM
Thank you so much Anne-Lise xxoo
Buhagiar Avatar
September 5, 2023 at 1:10 AM
Your ending came as a pleasant surprise because I was wondering where it was leading us. Wonderful poem. Best for a win.
Gentile Avatar
September 5, 2023 at 4:20 AM
Thank you so much Victor!!!
Baker Avatar
September 4, 2023 at 4:57 PM
Absolutely, Mike. Aside from your heartfelt poetry, you have a heart I would always be drawn to. This would be a good entry in the contest, my friend ... just saying. :-) Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us through your mindful poetry. Have a great Monday! Bill
Gentile Avatar
September 4, 2023 at 5:57 PM
Bill, you are so kind with your words!! Thank you so much, I certainly appreciate it!! Happy Monday!!!
Allison Avatar
September 3, 2023 at 5:54 AM
I love your honesty in your poetry Mike, i know some do put on a fake persona but I for one love your style. Good luck in the contest:-) hugs Jan xx
Gentile Avatar
September 3, 2023 at 5:57 AM
Thanks Jan xxoo
Rhymes Avatar
September 3, 2023 at 5:35 AM
Beautiful writing .
Gentile Avatar
September 3, 2023 at 5:42 AM
Thank you so much!!
Wolf Avatar
September 2, 2023 at 7:49 PM
Amazing write, Mike... Answer: Of course, I'd still love you, as you would still be a saint, after all! :) Gershon
Gentile Avatar
September 3, 2023 at 5:16 AM
Well it seems I win either way GW!!! Sending love your way as well Thank you Sir!!
Empress Avatar
September 2, 2023 at 12:03 PM
How beautiful is this take on the prompt. I love how you’ve ended the poem with the question and how you’ve also written , asking, if the world saw you as you are would you be accepted. A very heartfelt and moving write this is. I especially loved “ metaphor dangling in dangerous hope” goodluck for the contest
Gentile Avatar
September 2, 2023 at 12:52 PM
Oh Empress, thank you so very much for the lovely compliment, I do really appreciate! Xxoo
M  Avatar
September 2, 2023 at 7:22 AM
A wonderfully real honest poem Mike which l so enjoyed! Debx
Gentile Avatar
September 2, 2023 at 9:04 AM
Thank you Deb xxoo
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