Eileen Manassian Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

I'd Like To Help You

I'd like to help you
but I'd have to go
far far out of my comfort zone
become accident prone
I'd have to face the bullets
and I have no bullet proof vest
on my chest
It's naked and bare
It's not that I don't care...

I'd like to help you
but I'm kind of helpless right now
don't ask me how
I got to this state
Anyway...it's too late

I see you drown
and I frown
unhappy with your Ophelia like mess
Yet...I do confess
I'd really like to help you,
but then....
where were you
when I was going down
about ready to drown...
Oh yes!
I remember!
You were "out of town"
I didn't see your face
there was no proffered grace
for me
none that I could see
I was strangely alone
forlorn
in my storm...

I'd like to help you, but you see
You never helped me
never took a bullet to save
watched me lowered to poetic grave
never deflected an arrow
that shot down this sparrow
never thought of going
out on the proverbial limb
cause you knew the outcome was grim

Not only
did not you offer a hand
but you joined the lynching band
Tearing asunder...
You joined in their thunder

and, yes, though it pains me to hear
your call for me to be near
as you flail in the tide
wanting me by your side
finally, devoid of pride,
I now know I must confide...

I'd like to help you, but you see
you never helped me
I'm not that steady,
and I don't feel ready
to help you now
I'd be dragged down somehow
I've just crawled out of the grave
I don't think I can save
someone...

who 
never
ever
helped
me!

Eileen Manassian

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Mama Bear May 8, 2016 at 6:47 PM Sometimes self preservation is more important than trying to help someone who has never been there for you. Your heart may bleed for them but if you die bleeding for someone who does not care it is defeating yourself and them. You are always there for the people who deserve it and you should never answer the call from someone who does their best to bring you down. You have too much character and love for people to get involved in something that is not right for you Blessings and hugs Edith Eileen Manassian May 9, 2016 at 11:27 AM Thanks, Edith. I have stood up for people only to get shot down. The ones I stood up for were a no show. Go figure. I've learned my lesson. I've been very tempted to speak up, but....it just isnt' worth it. Thanks for your kindness to me. I'm in a bit of a slump, but....it will pass. Hopefully. Hugs and blessings to you, dear. You always lift up my spirits.

Paul Callus May 8, 2016 at 4:02 PM The metaphor works well, Eileen; emotionally it takes a lot out of you. The reasoning is understandable...I have passed through similar things, and there were times when I said 'that's it...no more', but it's not in my nature; I soon find myself forgiving, even if pride creeps up to me calling me a fool and a coward! Hope you're feeling better now. hugs // paul Eileen Manassian May 8, 2016 at 4:14 PM You are a good man, Paul. I am not surprised that you are able to go the second mile, dear. :) I'm proud of you for that. I hope all is well. I have missed you. Hugs

Richard Lamoureux May 6, 2016 at 7:49 PM I like the humour of it and still I suspect because of your kind nature you would indeed help. Eileen Manassian May 8, 2016 at 3:08 PM I have kept myself from helping this time, Richard. The push was strong, but to be honest...I have no leftover emotions to withstand storms here. You have CONSISTENTLY come to my rescue. It should never surprise anyone why you are my favorite poet here. You writing is top notch...your heart is the same. Thank you.

Anne-Lise Andresen May 6, 2016 at 2:35 PM - Bitterness can result in hate, dear Eileen ...... I believe your heart will help anyway - The bitterness closes the blood flow and will give you a headache my friend ...... it is not worth the pain - Great written :) - hugs and happy weekend // Anne-Lise :) Eileen Manassian May 8, 2016 at 3:09 PM Yes, Sunshine. It is sad, but true. Bitterness can ruin life. I hope you had a great day, today. Love and hugs to you, Sunshine.

Charmaine Chircop May 6, 2016 at 8:38 AM Its easy to help those who were always there for us ..but yes its so difficult to help those that never heard our cry and ignored us ...We are human..and as human ..yes, guess we all act in such manners..Only God can help us to love and reach for those who hurt us or let us down..I can feel this and relate to it Eileen. Eileen Manassian May 8, 2016 at 3:12 PM Thanks, sweetie. I know that you have a big heart and can love and forgive. It's admirable in you. :) I hope you had a lovely day today. I still miss Malta. Hugs to you...

Ilene Bauer May 5, 2016 at 6:06 PM wow! you tell 'em, girl! this is very powerful and perfectly expressed, eileen! it must have felt great to get those feelings down... Eileen Manassian May 8, 2016 at 3:13 PM Yes...Yes, it did. Sometimes people wonder why you don't just into the fray. Well, if you've been beaten down and were not rescued...it kind of becomes hard to be a rescuer. Hugs, dear.

Richard D Seal May 5, 2016 at 5:55 PM it's easy to feel this way, not easy to respond to someone that has let you down, and you know if you help them they will only do it again. Sad to say this is the way of the world and it's getting ever more worse. Love the drowning metaphor is this write my little Desert Orchid. Keep well and take care, Richard Eileen Manassian May 8, 2016 at 3:06 PM Thank you, Richard. I've gone out on a limb for people...only to get shot down. I'm not willing to do that anymore. I invest in those who invest in me. We must survive. Hope all is well with you. I'm glad to see you leave a comment on my work. Take care, Mr Seal.