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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

Date: 5/23/2020 10:02:00 PM

Superbly penned, Michelle. I can relate very well.

John Watt

Date: 5/14/2020 8:21:00 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

Date: 5/13/2020 8:45:00 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
Date: 5/14/2020 12:21:00 PM

Yes, the 'quiet ones' must stick together!

Sherry Asbury

Date: 1/15/2019 2:11:00 PM

You and I must be soul sisters!! Very lovely poem that touched my heart!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 12/30/2018 6:21:00 PM

This is just excellent, Michelle. Such soft, tasteful DEFIANCE. Love it. Congrats on your win in the contest. :) gw

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 1/2/2019 2:40:00 PM

Thank you, I am very happy you like this one!

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 12/29/2018 7:29:00 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
Date: 12/30/2018 2:59:00 PM

Thank you, appreciate your thoughtful comment!

Heidi Sands

Date: 12/29/2018 11:15:00 AM

Congratulations for your win Michelle! :)

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 12/29/2018 2:22:00 PM

Thanks, Heidi!

Alexis Y.

Date: 12/29/2018 9:15:00 AM

Hi Michelle, I really enjoyed this write in it's entirety. Congratulations on your 1st place win:-) Alexis

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 12/29/2018 2:22:00 PM

Much appreciate your comment, Alexis!

John Hamilton

Date: 12/29/2018 8:57:00 AM

This is SOOO good Michelle, loved every word, just what I was hoping for, congrats on a shared first place win!

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 12/29/2018 2:23:00 PM

Thank you for placing me in your contest, John!

Nette Onclaud

Date: 12/28/2018 3:35:00 PM

ohh, do embrace all that is you, michelle.. such a fine poem!..huggs

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 12/28/2018 5:39:00 PM

Thank you for your thoughtful comment, nette!

M. L. Kiser

Date: 12/28/2018 2:13:00 PM

I like the way this poem unfolds; well penned.

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 12/28/2018 5:38:00 PM

Thank you so much, appreciated!

Caycay Jennings

Date: 12/28/2018 10:16:00 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 Jennings
Date: 12/29/2018 2:34:00 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
Date: 12/28/2018 5:37:00 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

Date: 12/28/2018 7:21:00 AM

Oh, I like this! Good one Michelle :)

Michelle Faulkner
Date: 12/28/2018 5:35:00 PM

Thank you, Heidi, always glad for your kind words!

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 12/27/2018 9:44:00 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
Date: 12/28/2018 5:33:00 PM

It's ironic, the quiet need someone to speak up in their defense! Very flattered by your encouraging comments, Caren!

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 12/27/2018 7:36:00 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
Date: 12/28/2018 5:31:00 PM

Yes, I usually prefer solitude, thank you for your supportive comment!