in the back of my mind, the
façade nurtures the hoax
strengthening the lying truth of
who i am thought to be—
want to be for all...
when no one is listening
or cares, i get to dream of
a world where i am king of
something, and no one can
conquer this leaning tower
teetering on infamy...
yes, they see me, but what they
don't see is what I don't live;
the truth behind the plastic grin,
the held breath in a pair of lungs
gifted to release whatever it is
they crave to trigger—buttons
don't push themselves...
confrontation has never been
the easiest safeguard and is
best left to those who seek drama
i just want to live in peace
without the need to explain
how this aging thespian learned
to exist in a world that demands
participation...
when the drapes are pulled
shut for the day, and you can't
see the other me—
is where comfort lives...
About the Creator
Lamar Wiggins
Creative writer in the Northeast US who loves the paranormal, mystery, true crime, horror, humor, fantasy and poetry.
"Life is Love Experienced" -LW
LDubs
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More stories from Lamar Wiggins and writers in Poets and other communities.
The Grace of Reciprocity
The only unspoken understanding now is this: if you ignore me, I absolutely won't bother you. This isn't about being competitive or indifferent; it's about acknowledging the most basic truth of adulthood: relationships must be mutual, not sustained by stubbornness.
By Emily Chan - Life and love sharing7 days ago in Poets
Comments (20)
Ooooo! This was relatable for me Lamar!! Belated congrats on honourable mention in last weeks leaderboard!!
Well-wrought! This one hits home. The act we must often put on for the wider world is, in many ways, complicit in an unnecessary psychodrama. We do it for self-preservation, of course, and it's completely understandable. The "other me" in this take seems, if I am not mistaken in my interpretation, to be the peaceful one. Why can't the peaceful one be the public actor?
My other me lives most comfortably behind the undrawn drapes. It's my safe place, but a challenge in the same breath. To pull back the blinds and bask in the light, or remain in my safe place, is a question I often grapple with. Excellent work, Lamar; congratulations on making this week's leadership board!💜
Wooohooooo congratulations on your Leaderboard placement! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Outstanding work Lamar! 🎉💪🏾
Good Grief L-bud - How many other U'z Personas can you possibly continue to project..! J-bud
Absolutely Awesome, Sir, as usual. ⚡️💙⚡️
Beautiful, sad, raw. I often feel exactly the same. Loved your poem, Lamar! Good luck on the challenge!
Relatable, Lamar.
The way the light is hitting the arms 😍 *Clears throat* Moving along. Wow. I love how you so skillfully drew this out. Kept our attention throughout with every little near slip of the mask. Love that in the end we get to know that you just want comfort and peace. In a world that demands participation. I get sick and tired of that part of the world too. Very relatable and deeply moving 🤗🖤❤️
Feeling this one! Great job!
You captured the world that demands participation and plastic grins so well. I enjoyed reading this
Oooo, thespian is a new word for me. Loved your poem!
Beautifully written, Lamar. It feels like you’ve turned quiet pain into poetry that is simple, honest, and deeply human. ❤️
Actor in stage, actor in life. Is there a difference. I like how this has a feel of desperation just trying to hold on. Me thinks you have another winner
Poignant last lines, Lamar! 😊
I tried to pick my favorite line, but it's impossible. Everything. That was my favorite part. Absolutely Everything. Every word fell beautifully in place to paint a vivid picture of how we all put on a show for the world and then when we are alone we finally relax to be our true selves. Wonderful job. Best of luck to you in the challenge, though I'm not sure you'll need the luck. This feels like a sure winner.
I like the image of the ageing thespian...a mask that an actor is becoming too tired to wear. Thought-provoking!!
All the world's indeed a stage, the men and women players...
My comfort zone is guarded by black out curtains. Love the metaphors. Beautiful work