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Don't tell mamma

don't tell his mamma
how the sun did not rise today
although it was a cloudless dawn
he could only feel the coldness of rain

don't tell his mamma
how he is hiding his grief
although he may not flow in tears
he is consumed with sorrows

don't tell his mamma
how he is trying to ignore the demons
although he looks strong
he is crumbling inside

don't tell his mamma
how he sits alone in his room
although the lights are on
he can only see the darkness

don't tell his mamma
how lonesome he feels
although he is loved and adored
he feels no one really understands

don't tell his mamma
how only melancholic songs appeal
although he is silent
he plays them on repeat to help him feel

don't tell his mamma
how he has not eaten in days
although his pantry is full of food
he no longer feels the pangs of hunger

don't tell his mamma
how he can no longer control his thoughts
although his mind is sane
he did not sleep all night

don't tell his mamma
how he feels there is no cure for his illness
although he has pills galore
he feel they have no impact

don't tell his mamma
how he feels he has lost his purpose
although his garden still blossoms
he can only see dead blooms

don't tell his mamma
how he searches for a father he never had
although he is a role model to many
he is a guide without a mentor

don't tell his mamma
how tired he has become
although he will continue to smile
he is not afraid if he does not see a new dawn

don't tell his mamma
how he ignores my voice
although he can hear me 
he refuses to reignite his fire

please tell his mamma
how he does not want her to worry
although he is falling
he knows he will get back up one day

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Duke Beaufort Date: 3/20/2025 7:13:00 AM SO, interesting that the pain details remain hidden, but the message gets sent. We’re entitled to a certain amount of independence and privacy to work out our issues. Of course, if it were a therapist, we would want them to know all the details…but our mothers have a different role. Smiles!! Login to Reply

Nancy Kaufman Date: 3/3/2025 9:59:00 AM Dear Silent One, I don't see how his momma couldn't sense his sadness. This emotional piece reminded me personally of my son who despite having many wonderful male role models is still longing for a connection with a emotionally distance birth father who has never really appreciated him for the man he has become. Login to Reply

Hiba Junaid Date: 2/10/2025 7:06:00 AM i felt this in my soul because somewhere, somehow, between before and now, i have been this boy. the last stanza broke my heart. Login to Reply

Tonye George Date: 2/1/2025 2:32:00 PM These emotions burning inside will either set him free or tie him still. When we go through the most we tend to put the feelings of who we love by not telling them how we really feel. But in the end, everyone that loves us will be hurt when we keep what's burning inside us away from them because what is love if I cannot share the poison that curses you or the rain that hits you. To the demons we fight, the pillows that soak our tears, the songs that keep us sane. We thank them still in our_ Login to Reply Tonye George Date: 2/1/2025 2:35:00 PM Lonely state. But please tell his mum. Tell her how hurt he is and how unwilling he is to share the hurt. Tell her how inconsiderate he is for shielding all the pain and torture to himself. Tell her, that her son doesn't love her enough to make her a part of his sorrows. This is a fantastic piece and I love how you've structured it. Hugs, Silent. Always a pleasure.

Shadow Hamilton Date: 1/28/2025 12:42:00 PM very poignant SO and so true the ones you least expect to feel troubled hide it so well. A brilliant write hugs Shadow Login to Reply

Michael Tor Date: 1/19/2025 11:33:00 AM So many reasons for these heartfelt feelings kept inside not wanting to share with anyone feeling vulnerable to one's reaction if shared, being afraid of their response because they feel that individual would not understand how they do and not wanting to worry someone they love. I believe in finding the reason for these depressive feelings and somehow resolving the issue. I only ask myself when reading this if the shoe was on the other foot. Would I want my child to keep this from me or would I Login to Reply Michael Tor Date: 1/19/2025 11:35:00 AM want them to share it with me so I could comfort them in their struggle and be supportive. I would prefer they shared as I would share with my Mom or Dad or one that is available that I trust. Hoping you are well my friend and the Sun rises and fills the darkness with light and love...

Unseeking Seeker Date: 1/18/2025 10:28:00 PM hmmm ~ so relevant and true, so wrapped up we are in our own world, we notice not silent tears and hidden fears of close ones right here. Login to Reply

Jennifer Proxenos Date: 1/18/2025 9:42:00 AM And his Mamma knows 'although he is falling, he knows he will get back up one day' Mamma already knows everything from where she is, gently enveloped in heavenly bliss, she also knows your torment. A touching poem SO -Happy New Year my friend. Jennifer. Blessings, Jennifer. Login to Reply

Cortney Bartholomew Date: 1/18/2025 1:30:00 AM This poem makes me sad, I've worked with psychiatric and dementia for years... and my heart goes out to ppl who go through this, and it's no easy quick fix. Some, yes medication helps, but the one thing I've noticed more than anything is giving your love, and kindness and support, listening and encouraging is the best medicine I've seen yet, Login to Reply

Paula Goldsmith Date: 1/17/2025 1:00:00 PM WOW!!! What a creative write you have here. Once again your pen was working overtime on this one. Mamma always knows what is going on. That is her job. Any kind of an illness will take a toll on life/family. Enjoy your weekend with blessings................ Login to Reply

Joe Dimino Date: 1/15/2025 9:46:00 PM "don't tell his mamma how he sits alone in his room although the lights are on he can only see the darkness"-- depression is a terrible thing. Sometimes it is all a chemical imbalance. Lots of reason for it though. Poignant write. Login to Reply

Cecilia Macfarlane Date: 1/14/2025 8:40:00 PM A powerful write about the many who suffer yet don't ever give voice to anyone. Thanks for shining a light on mental illness S.O. Great poem! Hugs Login to Reply

Deb M Date: 1/13/2025 11:59:00 AM Hi S.O…..Wow….a poem that is so relatable to so many ….an extremely emotive write…..a voice and message for those who suffer with mental illness and depression…..you are not alone! Nice one….Debx Login to Reply

Valsa George Date: 1/13/2025 4:09:00 AM After reading this, I feel terrible. The symptoms you have described relate to acute depression. Even if one hides it from close ones, a mother who knows the heart of her baby can easily diagnose it. One may not be able to come out of it. But God can help one heal it. No rain can continue pouring down for ever. It will stop one day. No night can keep on going without seeing a dawn. Every trial can have a natural ending. Kindly wait for it. Even when being surrounded by so much of love, if one feels that there's no body to love, it is all because of a depressed state of mind. God can definitely help. Glad I could see a glimmer of hope in the last line. Login to Reply

Victor Buhagiar Date: 1/13/2025 2:26:00 AM I know what depression is, though, on a mild scale. Children are important though, and we must care for them. Login to Reply

Joe Maverick Date: 1/12/2025 3:13:00 PM Its there things effect people i was told a similar Story by the father of his twenty year old son He said he was one of those indrawn boys..I don't think its quite that simple, this guy has had Five women in his life and 13 kids..I guess this one was sensitive..And wanted a stable relationship.? Terrible stuff really.' Login to Reply

Andrea Dietrich Date: 1/12/2025 3:00:00 PM I read someone's comments below and found out this is not about you. Good to know!! It very strongly conveys depression. Sadly, my sister's youngest son shot himself to death about three years ago and she felt so sad that nobody knew what he was going through, not even she. My sister had moved away after divorcing the young man's father and he put on a very good act that he was ok. So in her case, she would say to please tell mama. Login to Reply

Kim Rodrigues Date: 1/12/2025 11:58:00 AM Heartfelt! Many suffer this way, not enjoying the drugs, sings or plays melancholic music, can’t see the forest through the trees, yet can’t reveal the extreme pain. My nephew suffered in this way. Login to Reply

Aqua Marine Date: 1/12/2025 8:35:00 AM Hi, S1- this heartfelt lament touched me deeply, very relatable, and have had similar thoughts and feelings about expressing my heart's 'aches and pains" to my elderly mother. You do understand other's feelings so well, yet feel misunderstood-you have the nature of a"Giver", someone who "empties" themselves in service to others. As you've said: "we only drown if we stay in the water..." A good incentive for all to strengthen one another, best we can. Warm Hugs, Aqua M Login to Reply Silent One Date: 1/12/2025 10:56:00 AM Thank you for your wonderful feedback and visit.. I hope you are well..

Regina Mcintosh Date: 1/12/2025 3:33:00 AM Depression is awful. As I'm bipolar, I've experienced it but more the manic side of the illness. Oh, but I so remember the moment when the mist would rise and I could see the sun in the amazing skies. It was a breathless moment, a prayer answered, a heart embracing the moment in a way that can't even be described. It felt as if the whole world was changed from black and white to color! Love to you, friend and God bless you always, Gina Login to Reply Silent One Date: 1/12/2025 10:55:00 AM Thank you for sharing your personal story and I appreciate your feedback and kindness...

Bj Legros Kelley Date: 1/11/2025 10:56:00 PM Silent One, depression is a horrible thing. I know that you have said in the past many poems that you are incredibly broken hearted over a break-up, and I think you have a broken heart. I have read online about broken heart syndrome, and though I don't know if this is exactly your case, I read that there was some help for suffering in rose petal tea. I lost my sister two years ago, my heart was so broken. I had in the next day or so found rose petal tea and tried it. It did help me, Worth a try? Login to Reply Bj Legros Kelley Date: 1/12/2025 3:13:00 PM I am so glad this wasn't about you Silent One, you wrote so deeply I was worried. My cousin, who was like a brother to me when I was little because he and his dad lived with us when I was born, died of his depression. I wrote about him in No One Can Replace You, I so wanted him to be healed, he said that I and his wife were 'silly' girls to love him, he knew he was adored. Depression is terrifying to me. You wrote this well. I am glad also that you clarified about your faith. I looked back on a poem I'd written a long time ago and saw that you had said you were not a man of 'religion', and I get that. Sorry I misunderstood and for clarifying. I'm glad you are ok my friend. Bj Legros Kelley Date: 1/12/2025 3:04:00 PM I am relieved to know Silent One Date: 1/12/2025 10:55:00 AM Thank you for your feedback and advice... I am not depressed and this poem is not about me.. I do not have a broken heart.. I did not say to you I have no faith, I said I am not Christian.. Thank you for your compassion and kindness... Bj Legros Kelley Date: 1/11/2025 11:20:00 PM Maybe I'm assuming, but I felt deeply you are speaking the heart of your own fight with the darkness of depression? Bj Legros Kelley Date: 1/11/2025 11:05:00 PM I also know that you have said you are not a man of faith, but that must be very hard. I have put my faith is God when I was depressed as a teen. I didn't know who He was, at best I had become agnostic at that time. I prayed to Him and asked Him to help me know Who He was, and I know He did. I will pray for you and my husband will as well. I hope you will reach out to Him (God) and He will help you. You are very precious, and I hope you will find healing. I am a mother, and I want you to know, your mama probably already knows. Don't fight this alone. May God bless you and reveal Himself to you, He is the Father. I guarantee to you, He cares for you, He knows your name. He knows your every heartache, every tear. Praying for you my friend.

Evelyn Judy Buehler Date: 1/11/2025 9:23:00 PM How sad it is when someone is depressed and secretly struggling with inner demons. Your poem conveys a sense of isolation and desperation very well. I love that the poem ended on a positive note. A touching poem, tinged with sadness. Login to Reply Silent One Date: 1/12/2025 10:51:00 AM Yes and many suffer from this.. especially this time of the year in the UK.. Thanks for your feedback and visit..

Beryl Edmonds Date: 1/11/2025 6:22:00 PM One doesn’t need to tell mamma, for a mamma always knows… Beryl Login to Reply Silent One Date: 1/12/2025 10:47:00 AM That is very true Beryl.. Thank you

Billy Thekidster Date: 1/11/2025 1:07:00 PM I talk to my mama regularly, but I don't share all my strife, I let her live in blissful ignorance, away from the darkness of life. Personal hardships I endure, my turmoil remains within, I share with her only positive tales, hiding the true darkness I’m in. Login to Reply Silent One Date: 1/12/2025 10:47:00 AM I am exactly the same... Nice to see you Billy.. Hope all is well..

Paige Hind Date: 1/11/2025 12:26:00 PM A sense of loss and vulnerbility - tone-refrain almost breaks the heart,..it's beautiful Login to Reply Silent One Date: 1/12/2025 10:46:00 AM Thank you Paige..

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