(in my head)
For the Things You Can't Say Out Loud Challenge
I want to...
but stop
I need to...
but what's the point
I think...
but who cares anyway
I jibber, jabber
like some kind of
stuck staccato
stuttering simpatico
I don't feel the same
as the vocal majority
when corners surround me
and my lungs struggle to do the bare minimum
it becomes a running joke, a visual, visceral reminder
of my crisis
I am the punchline that no one wants to give
(in my head)
*
Thanks for reading!
About the Creator
Paul Stewart
Award-Winning Writer, Poet, Scottish-Italian, Subversive.
The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection out now!
Streams and Scratches in My Mind coming soon!
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme


Comments (6)
The interruptive (not sure if that's a word) start/stop of the opening lines was so jarring. There's a really relatable fear captured here too. No one wants to be on the outside being laughed at. Rest assured that's not the case here! Hope you're doing well, friend!
This sounds like one of those dark days when you can't outrun the cloud. I really hope you're okay - your work as always is cracking to read. Love the phrase jibber jabber too. Take it easy......
The human brain can go against us more than it should, but there's no way you are the punchline to any joke. Banter, yes (Scottish and all that). But we love our Paul! And what is it about going against the vocal majority? It means you're not a sheep! You create your own waves, and I you ride them well (you must be a great surfer)!
This feels so relatable. "Stop, what's the point, who cares." How often I've silenced myself with that same internal dialogue! But please, keep jibber jabbering. You have so many interesting thoughts to share.
I don’t grasp the punchline line. Are you being self-effacing..I’m not sure. Jibber jabber away! 😃
Paul, Paul, Paul. I hope this is only meant as highbrow irony. I’m sure that we are all our own punchlines at times (you know, those moments when we speak before listening to the thoughts rushing to leap from our throats to leave our throats unguarded and unfiltered). But you are definitely not a punchline! Iconoclast definitely; asshole maybe (although no more so than your’s truly). From your asshole bud on the western side of the pond.