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Paper People

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Cutout paper people stock photo. Image of design, shadow - 24130424

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We are casting illusions of ourselves onto the minds of other people, and them to us, projecting shadows, so that we form caricature people; Our true form remains unknown, even to ourselves, we are a construction, obscured in the regions of our cells that have not the senses to perceive them; How many self-illusions of mine exist in this large world nesting in the minds of every person that has ever "known" me? each a different shade, no two alike; Together, blended, if they ever shall meet — they form an inbred amalgamation, I would be a stranger to myself, unrecognizable, We are echoes of paper people, casting shadows in the foreign minds of others.

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Paige Hind

Date: 4/26/2024 7:52:00 PM

This is powerful, so gently wise, like here lately I have come to expect from your poetry- I am so glad to read

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/27/2024 5:28:00 AM

wow, thank you Paige for your complimentary words...they mean a great deal to me. I appreciate your visits to my different poems. Wishing you a splendid day, hugs, Sara

Paul Willason

Date: 4/21/2024 6:23:00 AM

A profound poem Sara, in fact a gem. Sets the mind off on a journey into perception, selfhood and the nature of existence. The very core of who we are remains a mystery and defies explanation and being caged by words. Exhibits your depth....

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/21/2024 6:10:00 PM

wow, thanks for your positive and enthusiastic comments, Paul. The depth of your understanding of my poem is refreshing. Glad, too, you found my poem exhibits depth. That means a great deal to me. Wishing you a splendid evening, Sara

David Crandall

Date: 4/19/2024 11:02:00 PM

Sara, to me, this is a fascinating poem, of your many good poems, may favorite, so far. It sets me to think. I suppose it's true. We probably all see each other and ourselves in different ways, and all are, to some extent illusions. Two or three days ago, I thought about writing a poem about identity, along a bit of a different line of thought, but in common, sharing the idea that it is not so cut and dried. Anyway, I really liked this one and it's very interesting.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/20/2024 4:01:00 AM

thanks, David, for your visit and for sharing your thoughts. I agree...to some extent we're all illusions. Your new poem idea sounds fascinating. Not everything is cut and dry, black and white. Takes a mindful person to contemplate that concept. Have a splendid day, Sara

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 4/19/2024 2:34:00 PM

Very thought enlightening. It rings with truth.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 4:50:00 PM

thanks for dropping by, Hilda; grateful my poem was enlightening and rung with truth. Your words mean a great deal to me. Have a splendid evening, Sara

Jay Narain

Date: 4/19/2024 9:51:00 AM

"I enjoyed reading your lovely poem on people... Enjoy your day!!

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 9:58:00 AM

awww, thanks Jay! Glad you enjoyed my poem. Appreciate your well wishes for the day as well. Wishing you a pleasant weekend ahead, Sara

Sotto Poet

Date: 4/19/2024 9:26:00 AM

Dear Sara, I suppose that only our Creator genuinely comprehends us in our entirety, given that he can read our feelings and locate our eyes. I found your poetry to be deeply contemplative, prompting me to ponder my insignificance in the grand scheme of humanity. It's natural for people to seek validation and support from others. In my opinion, we can still maintain an authentic and honest approach.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 9:58:00 AM

I agree with all your statements, dear Sotto, especially your ending thoughts about maintaining authenticity in relationships with others and self. Thanks for your visit and for sharing your thoughts. Enjoy your day, Sara

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 4/19/2024 5:56:00 AM

There’s an old saying. “What someone thinks of me is none of my business.” It’s natural to want people to think well of us. Still I believe we can be open and authentic. You strike me that way. I enjoyed your poem, it made me contemplate my small place in this thing called humanity.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 9:57:00 AM

thanks for dropping by, Richard, and for sharing your thoughts. Glad you enjoyed my little contemplative poem Have a splendid day, Sara

Tom Woody

Date: 4/19/2024 5:14:00 AM

Fascinating exploration of how we are perceived by others. I guess all put together those perceptions would indeed amount to an amalgamation, fractured, whole and yet not whole nor entirely accurate, since bias inevitably enters in. I suppose in the end only our Creator really knows us completely, since he can read the hearts of men and women. Nice write Sara

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 9:56:00 AM

thanks for stopping by, Tom, and for sharing your thoughts on the 'paper people' topic. I agree, in the end I'm grateful that God knows my heart. Well said & have a great day, Sara

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/19/2024 5:58:00 AM

Well said Tom. Also if we endeavour to see others as God does we couldn’t help but love them.