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Lone Li Ness Is My Name

Lone Li Ness is my name No one calls it; I have no friends. I had one once in second grade But she moved Shyness kept me from having other ones Some loud kids lied about me being a bully In fourth grade, and it stuck In 7th grade I was “odd” and “weird” I began to read romance novels that year And science fiction, biographies, and mysteries. The librarian tried to befriend me but she was old I do not like old people I figured when I went to college I would be a new you I would be outgoing and fun, and people would like me About half my graduating class went to the same college My roommate hated me before she met me. She moved out before the end of the first week Without speaking to me. A couple of nods and a grunt. I have forgotten how to be a friend now. It has been a long time. My cat and I pretend to be content reading our books. She lies between the I-pad and me, so I have to use two pillows to prop. My parents still live in my hometown. They are always begging me to come back. For a summer vacation, for a visit. To see my “old friends”. This makes me laugh. How did they never see their odd, weird, lonely girl like I do?

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M. L. Kiser

Date: 5/30/2019 4:56:00 PM

A powerful, emotional pen. We all have those moments, at some point in our lives.

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 6/1/2019 4:48:00 AM

Yes we do. I tell my students this, but none believe.

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 5/29/2019 7:17:00 AM

I agree w/Gavin ... such an introspectively bittersweet, heart-shaped piece of poetry, Caren. It's been a while ... but I do miss and enjoy your imitable style of Rorschach ink expression. This powerful poem is an instant fave. Love and more love always.

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 6/1/2019 4:49:00 AM

Thank you Freddie. This has been a trying week, so I am so grateful to you for this comment.

Vijay Pandit

Date: 5/28/2019 6:01:00 PM

Through your poem you speak to many..this candid portrait is quite touching..deeply moving, Caren. One almost wants to reach out and hug the person you speak of..a sign of a brilliant poem.

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 6/1/2019 4:49:00 AM

Thank you Vijay. I know this girl, I talk to this girl, I counsel this girl, I console this girl, I am this girl.

Caycay Jennings

Date: 5/28/2019 4:24:00 PM

I know this isn't biographical which lessens the sadness it evoked in me. A well written and, again, sad look into what is, unfortunately, the truth for many. Your pen relayed the story so very well. Poetry hugs ... CayCay

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 6/1/2019 4:50:00 AM

Thank you CayCay. It is me, it is you, it is all the girls in the world and all the boys. I think we have all felt this sometime.

Kurt Ravidas

Date: 5/28/2019 3:37:00 PM

A lot of good people have said a lot of good words down there. I have nothing to add. I'd like to say only that in school hierarchy I was what's called a crazy poet and L.L.Ness was my girlfriend)

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 6/1/2019 4:51:00 AM

This is hilarious! Thanks for a laugh. On a day when I am suffering.

Dawne Zacharias

Date: 5/28/2019 1:11:00 PM

Caren you are very honest in your writing, I have never met you in any other way but through your poetry. Which I love reading, you have many poet friends who thoroughly enjoy you. I am one.

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 6/1/2019 4:51:00 AM

Thank you so much Dawne. It means the world to me.

Gavin Lottering

Date: 5/28/2019 11:28:00 AM

What an absolutely poignant poem. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Thank you

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 6/1/2019 4:51:00 AM

Thank you for reading it and liking it. I write what I feel.

Franci Hoffman

Date: 5/28/2019 8:49:00 AM

This piece just oozes with sincerity and so relatable. I feel many go through times like this in their life. Some grow out of it and some don't.

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 6/1/2019 4:52:00 AM

Franci, thank you so much. I felt this, my children felt this, my husband felt this, my students feel this, and through counseling them, I remember and re-feel it.

Allen Beilschmidt Sr.

Date: 5/28/2019 8:11:00 AM

A great write dear Caren. Thank you for letting us into your life.

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 6/1/2019 4:52:00 AM

I am an open heart.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 5/28/2019 8:05:00 AM

My daughter considered it a blessing to be labeled “weird” lol! See the ones that are the “same” are not unique. Throwing kisses and hugs your way...and a huge book bouquet! :)

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 6/1/2019 4:53:00 AM

Thank you so much Kim. I love book bouquets!

Brenda Chiri

Date: 5/28/2019 7:25:00 AM

Caren a heart breaking poem but with much strength if that makes sense! I so enjoyed this tale you tell!

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 6/1/2019 4:53:00 AM

I am so glad, my Iowan friend, I truly am touched that you wrote heart breaking, because it always is.

Riddhima Kashyap

Date: 5/28/2019 1:42:00 AM

Wonderful poem Caren, this made me remember my 4th grade. Love this poem! :-)