Home » Poems » Ilene Bauer » Double Lives

Double Lives

We all live double lives; the first 
Is what appears outside,
The way the world perceives us
As opposed to what we hide.

That outward part is what we wear
And say and how we act.
We’re judged by all our positives 
Or qualities we’ve lacked.

Our other life, though, is what flows 
Through arteries and veins
Plus, more important, what resides 
Inside our hearts and brains.

This second part may differ from
Its other half or not
And we may choose to share a little
Or, perhaps, a lot.

Relationships are based upon
The way we seem to be,
Yet just below the surface is
What others cannot see.

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Andrea Dietrich

Date: 2/2/2025 9:35:00 AM

Also beneath the surface is what we share with loved ones. I am a TMI person, so even strangers see a lot how I am inside! Good one, dear

Maurice Rigoler

Date: 2/1/2025 6:44:00 AM

We need to have a double life / it's our way of pulling the wool / over our inner selves / to keep out the nosey world. –Maurice

Jerry Brotherton

Date: 1/31/2025 7:07:00 PM

I think we all have a part of us that we keep hidden from the world. A great poem, Ilene. Have a beautiful evening, my friend.

Deb M

Date: 1/31/2025 4:02:00 PM

So true ilene…..we wear our masks for the world to see! Really enjoyed this well written poem my friend! Debx