Home » Poems » Darren White » Observe and Outsmart

Notes About The Poem

This is part of me, it's not WHO I am, it's just a part of me. I am used to being me, have never known otherwise: Wheelchair (I am paraplegic), Tourette and stuttering. And a whole lot more but that's not very relevant for this poem. Normally I don't like to explain my poems: make it your own and interpret away. But sometimes, like with this one, I for one time want to tell you how hard it can be to break through people's defensive and offensive laughter and ridicule. It takes guts, humour and improvisation. I am in mental hospital at the moment, and the poem describes group therapy. I won them over the first day and we are all fine now and get along :)

Observe and Outsmart

OBSERVE AND OUTSMART

The circle looks expectantly
Chairs shuffle their feet 
One speaks reluctantly
No eyes meet
I observe
My eyes shift and tic in unison
Chair swerves
Unvoluntarily rests upon
Someone's tense nerves
I tic and stutter
Source of endless laughter
My hands flutter
But I only leave after
Their awed voices
See what I wrote...
Their antics, their patois
Observed by me, I gloat
The smallest detail I catch
Their every shenanigan
Game, set and match
My pencil speaks
Because it can.

***

December 31, 2016

anxietyappreciationbodyi amrhyme

♡Like0

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

Carole Duet

January 2, 2017 at 2:32 AM

I really like this poem, Darren. It's so easy to imagine but I have a question: Didn't you mean "can't" instead of "can" in the last line? Carole Duet

Darren White

January 2, 2017 at 2:37 AM

Heh :) I did mean 'can'. I sometimes use words or phrases that are just not completely right. You could read: "Because it can". Which should be correct. I wanted to say: I write it all because I can. But I will just change it to 'it can'. For the impact of it. Thank you.

Arthur Vaso

December 31, 2016 at 11:53 PM

Hi Darren, if I had an symphony they would play a song for you, you are brave to speak up, and kind to let people know, not for you but others, how wonderful it is that poetry makes us see us humans and not judge, Its not only that your poetry shines, its that you do too! :)

Darren White

January 1, 2017 at 12:08 AM

Thank you! That brought tears to my eyes... Too often there is a stigma attached which makes it difficult for people to speak up, afraid of being judged. But I am truly convinced that it helps to be 'loud'.

Sunlite Wanter

December 31, 2016 at 5:05 PM

How brave you are - and talented!

Darren White

December 31, 2016 at 11:26 PM

Thank you for your kind words :)

Claudia Polydoro

December 31, 2016 at 12:36 PM

I'm glad you're all getting along, Darren... one less thing to worry in group therapy. Great poem - it's never easy to open up, specially in groups. Smooches my sweet friend! :*

Darren White

December 31, 2016 at 1:22 PM

Thanks Claudia <3