Home » Poems » Andrea Dietrich » Invisibility

Invisibility

Daily, we look at strangers such as cashiers; they see us too. Removed from them, can we describe their faces? Can they describe ours? Invisibility seems part of the human condition. Written Feb. 20, 2017 for the Invisible Contest of Lewis Raynes

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

John Michaels

Date: 2/26/2017 9:53:00 AM

Interesting... is this an observation of humanity's ability to distance themselves from one another, or a commentary on the social classes?! Good luck with the competition.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 2/26/2017 10:06:00 AM

I already lost out with this one, but thanks. this was a commentary on the first thing you mentioned. They have done tests that say people cannot remember anything about a person they just saw five minutes ago. In fact, the same person can come back later and tell the clerk something but the clerk won't realize he already talked to them and vice versa. I just find it very fascinating. Also how we all pray for everybody but how can we possibly know their pain? It all boggles my mind the enormity of the human experience and how we can distance ourselves from the pain of so much world suffering. We would go mad if we felt it.

Robert Johnson

Date: 2/24/2017 8:40:00 AM

Profoundly put. Is it callousness? Or is it God's way of protecting our hearts from overload? I see you, do you see me?

Jennifer Walker

Date: 2/23/2017 8:26:00 AM

Insightful and thought provoking poem.

Darren White

Date: 2/21/2017 10:26:00 PM

It's so true, isn't it? Painful....

Bruce Adams

Date: 2/21/2017 7:42:00 PM

I think we would all treat each other with great love, respect and consideration if we could see the inner person. Insightful poem Andrea !

Mike Bayles

Date: 2/21/2017 2:01:00 PM

How true!

Tim Smith

Date: 2/21/2017 1:54:00 PM

I would think not unless it is the same person all the time.

Daniel Turner

Date: 2/21/2017 8:00:00 AM

When I say hello to the young cashiers, they look at me like I'm a pervert (I am but that's beside the point) It seems like everyone is afraid of each other. Technology! bah humbug Thought provoking write, Andrea.

Robert Johnson
Date: 2/24/2017 8:43:00 AM

Thank you Daniel, you made me laugh, I can so relate.

Doug Vinson
Date: 2/21/2017 10:03:00 AM

This! Danny, you nailed it.

James Horn

Date: 2/21/2017 6:47:00 AM

Unless they are schizotypal and narcissistic. Google those.

Rhonda Johnson-Saunders

Date: 2/21/2017 12:22:00 AM

So true! I find that people look at each other less and less... everyone is either rushing around or on an electronic device. I love your unique take on the theme...I checked the line you mentioned in my sonnet. I intended to write 'you and I' but I changed it. I think 'I'm' flows better. Thanks for the tip...:))

Charlie Smith

Date: 2/21/2017 12:10:00 AM

Emo is a man that picks up trash on a street by our church. I go to morning mass everyday and everyday Emo waves to me and every other car that passes him. It' not part of his condition. And everyone knows his name, and he doesn't even go to our church.

Arthur Vaso

Date: 2/20/2017 10:02:00 PM

On a serious note, Its what I love about poets, we see, and for those that not only see but share a smile or a kind gesture! Well God bless thee!

Arthur Vaso

Date: 2/20/2017 10:00:00 PM

I flirt with all the cashiers I meet, sadly they all seem to have lawyers and restraining orders! Cant say I didn't try!

Robert Johnson
Date: 2/24/2017 8:46:00 AM

I'm laughing at yours and Daniels comments, BUT, being one who can relate, it's not that funny. ;/

Frederic Parker

Date: 2/20/2017 9:45:00 PM

I've spent most of my life being invisible, never fitting in..good luck

Matthew Anish

Date: 2/20/2017 9:07:00 PM

I imagine there is less invisibility where you live. Where I live there are so many people that most of them remain invisible to each other. Stimulating write - good luck in the contest! Peace & Love Matthew Anish

CayCay Jennings

Date: 2/20/2017 8:47:00 PM

Applause! AND now, we can add young people who only look at their phones. I see social issues looming on the horizon! Well said, Andrea, and I completely agree. Love ... CayCay

Sunlite Wanter

Date: 2/20/2017 8:36:00 PM

Once people spoke and smiled. If you do that now in many instances, you're thought to be strange. Your good writing brings us to see where we are now.

Robert Johnson
Date: 2/24/2017 8:50:00 AM

This is a sad comment, in which I understand. That sucks. Please don't be quiet. Love and Blessings. Love your picture and your name.