Observe and Outsmart

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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

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

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Carole Duet

Date: 1/2/2017 2:32:00 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
Date: 1/2/2017 2:37:00 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

Date: 12/31/2016 11:53:00 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
Date: 1/1/2017 12:08:00 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

Date: 12/31/2016 5:05:00 PM

How brave you are - and talented!

Darren White
Date: 12/31/2016 11:26:00 PM

Thank you for your kind words :)

Claudia Polydoro

Date: 12/31/2016 12:36:00 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
Date: 12/31/2016 1:22:00 PM

Thanks Claudia <3

Adeniji Toluwalope Gideon

Date: 12/31/2016 12:23:00 PM

Beautiful! I love the painting. Love and joy to you, Darren.

Darren White
Date: 12/31/2016 1:20:00 PM

Thank you, much appreciated Adeniji.