Hidden Short Version

HIDDEN

I hide behind a mysterious façade as
they wrongly charge me with blatant 
estimations of who I am.

Feeling displaced as they examine my
northeast inflection, while their obtrusive
glaring results in false postulations.

Every encounter, I’m never able to combat their
fallacious beliefs as the scorn pours over me.

They’ve always been adjudicators during 
my trials and tribulations instead of 
utilizing the simplest act of kindness.

Slightest glimmers of decency quickly 
turn into dismal darkness as I’m 
smeared with their assumptions.

If I were not an abused child, my 
mistakes would’ve been negligible
thereby ceasing the incessant torment.

Still and soundless while I disappear, into
nothingness concealing and burying
my most heartfelt thoughts.

While my dignity is attacked, there’s no 
way out, so I stay masked and muted.
Any aspirations are abolished.

When it was clear I had it together  
rushing to and from jobs and schools 
their knives of ridicule remained sharp.

A woman said to me, “Why are you hiding 
your warmth and compassion?”  I answered, 
“When I showed it they destroyed me.”

So, I shall stay hidden protecting myself, so I 
don’t suffocate on the fumes of their lies.

I beg, oh God for mercy, as I look to him for
protection, hiding beneath the shadow of
his wings until this violent storm is over.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Volumes Avatar
July 20, 2023 at 3:18 AM
He will protect you sweet one. Your poems make me cry
Perna Avatar
August 11, 2023 at 2:07 PM
Thank you for your kind words. All my love & respect to you. diane
Sambourne Avatar
January 31, 2022 at 7:00 PM
You write from the heart dear lady. Please know that your fellow poets wish you peace, good will, and robust health for all of your days. Blessings to you, always. Brian
Agustin Avatar
November 29, 2021 at 12:08 AM
Thanks for sharing this.... and for your uplifting comment. By faith in the Lord, I claim for His answer for your prayer: "I beg, oh God for mercy, as I look to him for protection, hiding beneath the shadow of his wings until this violent storm is over." We praise God for being omniscient; and since He knows our needs, He can surely meet them by His grace. God bless you.
Hawkins Avatar
November 12, 2021 at 6:43 PM
Oh! dear. We should not form an assumption about anything or anyone. We do not know or try to understand what makes a person the way they appear to be. It's so sad that some feel they have to hide to protect themselves because they have been badly used and abused. And the abusers for the most part get off scot free. Excellent write... Take care... Shirley
Cummings Avatar
November 2, 2021 at 7:24 AM
The tears at the fabric of assumptions and bullying. Your writing is powerful imagery, well done. I long for the sequel that celebrates triumph and complete healing.
Lucas Avatar
October 6, 2021 at 8:56 PM
Diane this poem is riveting. I have been through so much lately that your comment on my poem lion brought tears to my eyes. I love your vulnerability, eloquence, and vocabulary. This is such a true witness and yet between the lines there is hope. Thank you for your love. Woody.
Flaherty Avatar
September 30, 2021 at 3:34 PM
Bravo Diane Absolutely brilliant truthful and poignant. This line in particular When I showed they destroyed me Only you can protect yourself no 1 else will they certainly won't Just a very sad state of affairs when if choose not to hide and put yourself out there. Chances are you leave yourself open to being destroyed
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