Michelle Faulkner Poet Free verse

For the Quiet Ones

I am not lonely
Because I am alone

I am not timid
Because I am quiet
I am sparse with speech
Because I have carried
The weight of words
So I know their value, and their price

I am not impaired
Because I keep my own company
Being still is a trait to cherish
Not a disease in need of a cure
Not a malady to medicate

I am not the inept eccentric
I am not a cliche to pity
I am not a wounded bird to nurse
I am not a puzzle to put together
I am not a problem to solve

I am not your consolation prize.

12/27/18

for 'You Are Not Defined By' contest
sponsor: John Hamilton

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Line Gauthier May 23, 2020 at 10:02 PM Superbly penned, Michelle. I can relate very well.

John Watt May 14, 2020 at 8:21 PM This speaks for all of us who are quiet, but not broken. "Because I have carried / The weight of words / So I know their value, and their price"... this speaks to my heart. Words are like gold coins; use them sparingly and carefully. I do prefer my own company not because I don't like people, but because I want my batteries to be fully charged when I am with people. Awesome, Michelle. You are in touch with who you are and express yourself so eloquently ~ John

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart May 13, 2020 at 8:45 PM Wow, in the familiar sense of the word. Eloquent honesty, makes for an excellent poem. "I am not sparse with speech... " that, all that, struck me the most. Came to this poem first as it reminded me of traveling with my sister by bus when we were kids by ourselves to visit our grandparents 300 miles away, of a man saying to me, "you are the quiet one aren't you". Don't remember much of childhood, but that sticks out. xomo Michelle Faulkner May 14, 2020 at 12:21 PM Yes, the 'quiet ones' must stick together!

Sherry Asbury January 15, 2019 at 2:11 PM You and I must be soul sisters!! Very lovely poem that touched my heart!

Gershon Wolf December 30, 2018 at 6:21 PM This is just excellent, Michelle. Such soft, tasteful DEFIANCE. Love it. Congrats on your win in the contest. :) gw Michelle Faulkner January 2, 2019 at 2:40 PM Thank you, I am very happy you like this one!

Mystic Rose Rose December 29, 2018 at 7:29 PM We should never be defined by other people's image of us, well done Michelle, congrats on your 1st place win, xo Michelle Faulkner December 30, 2018 at 2:59 PM Thank you, appreciate your thoughtful comment!

Heidi Sands December 29, 2018 at 11:15 AM Congratulations for your win Michelle! :) Michelle Faulkner December 29, 2018 at 2:22 PM Thanks, Heidi!

Alexis Y. December 29, 2018 at 9:15 AM Hi Michelle, I really enjoyed this write in it's entirety. Congratulations on your 1st place win:-) Alexis Michelle Faulkner December 29, 2018 at 2:22 PM Much appreciate your comment, Alexis!

John Hamilton December 29, 2018 at 8:57 AM This is SOOO good Michelle, loved every word, just what I was hoping for, congrats on a shared first place win! Michelle Faulkner December 29, 2018 at 2:23 PM Thank you for placing me in your contest, John!

Nette Onclaud December 28, 2018 at 3:35 PM ohh, do embrace all that is you, michelle.. such a fine poem!..huggs Michelle Faulkner December 28, 2018 at 5:39 PM Thank you for your thoughtful comment, nette!

M. L. Kiser December 28, 2018 at 2:13 PM I like the way this poem unfolds; well penned. Michelle Faulkner December 28, 2018 at 5:38 PM Thank you so much, appreciated!

CayCay Godwin December 28, 2018 at 10:16 AM Love the confident, aggressive 'feel' in each thought delivered. This is a dynamic, hard hitting poem. Good luck in the contest and all else. Poetry hugs ... CayCay CayCay Godwin December 29, 2018 at 2:34 PM My home nest is where I dwell best; do not like going out among all things 'society.' I'm an extroverted introvert and a social recluse. No, you weren't harsh, you were 'certain', and being certain is something I applaud. I envy, very much so, all who enjoy and are fulfilled by their own company; I think it is a strength. All the best ... CayCay Michelle Faulkner December 28, 2018 at 5:37 PM I don't want to come off as harsh, but just needed to say there is nothing wrong with those of us who keep to ourselves -

Heidi Sands December 28, 2018 at 7:21 AM Oh, I like this! Good one Michelle :) Michelle Faulkner December 28, 2018 at 5:35 PM Thank you, Heidi, always glad for your kind words!

Caren Krutsinger December 27, 2018 at 9:44 PM I think this poem says what many people would say if they had known how to say it. You speak for many Michelle. I am glad you are an advocate for the silent keepers. They could do no better, Michelle Faulkner December 28, 2018 at 5:33 PM It's ironic, the quiet need someone to speak up in their defense! Very flattered by your encouraging comments, Caren!

Carolyn Devonshire December 27, 2018 at 7:36 PM Some people prefer to be alone much of the time, Michelle, and many of my friends are quiet, but not timid. Your message comes through clearly in this powerful write. Best wishes in the contest, Carolyn Michelle Faulkner December 28, 2018 at 5:31 PM Yes, I usually prefer solitude, thank you for your supportive comment!