Good Listener

Good listener, you may pass by a mirror and pause, stare awkwardly because you don’t remember the shape of your mouth open. You might even mimic funny faces like a goldfish. Yet, it will feel foolish. And if someone asked you about the sound of your own voice, you’d watch their lips move in awe, uncertain.

It may have been only hours, days, or as long as weeks since you’ve last spoken. Even then, were the words true, was the sentiment? Good listener, please don’t forget you have a story too.

And if there is no one around to hear it, I propose a creative solution: Have you ever told a story to your cat, dog, or tortoise? Have you ever enlightened them of your dreams, what scares you, makes you feel most free? Have you ever watched the glints of your light be swallowed into the depths of their eyes and realized they heard you, most of it, anyway?

What about the walls? Have you ever divulged all the art you wish to give them to finally make the space in between feel like home? What of the reflection in the mirror, the face to that little voice in your mind that whispers, “This is me, right?”

And if talking to little creatures, or your house, or yourself doesn’t quite make you feel heard, good listener, please, get cozy and tell me your story.

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Hello, wanderer!

I hope this poem finds you when you need it. This is part of a collection called There Is No Guilt In Distance. Here are some others with kindred spirits:

xoxo,

for now,

-your friend, lost in thought