I want to believe.
I think I belong,
I’m not really sure,
I’m scared of the words I put on this page,
fearful of the direction my thoughts will go,
unsure of the meaning,
avoiding the necessary pattern,
constantly questioning my motivation,
my sanity,
my ability to get you to hear.
… am I speaking too softly?
… have you tired of my attempts at clarity?
… could you see when I was weak?
I think I belong,
I’m not really sure,
I can’t find the brevity needed,
stringing words together so fast even I lose track,
my mind wanders from present to future to past,
randomly thrown together in a delicate mix,
waiting for a sign that you heard,
hoping my courage is safe,
hidden in an ornate metaphorical phrase.
… which words did you hear?
… am I still brave?
… are you leading the naysayers?
I think I belong,
I’m not really sure,
these words are neither black or white,
the picture they paint is in clear gray,
the mind they reveal is focused,
the beautiful disillusion of purpose,
pull it all together,
sit up straight,
breathe — become.
… are we safe in each others hands?
… does the sparkle still show?
… is a smile hidden inside?
I think I belong,
I’m not really sure,
moving away from concrete ways,
a chattering mouse quieting herself,
a novel destined for publication,
always becoming better,
welcoming revisions from a soul-filled author,
a story that needs to be told,
a song you will always remember.
… did I make you stumble?
… will you hear my melody again?
… am I learning who I am?
I think I belong,
I want to believe.
Dear Becky,
You approach the universal human condition with your usual wit and style. I think at some point everyone wants to belong, but not by losing who they are. We want to be included, to belong because the self we bring to the table is a unique creation, and on that basis we want to be honored and accepted. That’s why I love the tentative tone of this – because we always risk rejection when we present who we really are, but I think that’s what requires human bravery and integrity. You write really good poems about personhood and the struggle to be the authentic self. Loved the poem (and love you), Moskowitz
Thanks Mosk.
I hope that I’m able to capture some universal feelings in these scattered ramblings.
You write your poem from the heart. That is what makes them this beautiful, I’m sure! <3
Thank you so much my lovely friend.
Beautiful words that beautifully express the paradox and the complexity of our human condition – words that are a reflection of the beauty of the heart and soul of their author.
Aww — thank you. What an incredible sentiment to express.
Of course you do, exactly because you know how to string words together into gorgeous lines expressing the fear of many. Very few are as brave as you.
I’m not sure about the brave part. I heard a quote recently, something like, “the bravest journeys are never taken alone”
So, yes, I like this brave journey we’re on.
i think we all have that desire for belonging and the realization that our actions are often judged…our words judged and in that we find the identity as defined by the world around us…and do we like that….nice…
Thanks Brian! I think we never really outgrow that want to belong.
Belonging and identity can be such overwhelming questions, rattling the confidence of the spirit! Lyrical thoughts!
Thank you so much! So glad you’re here.
Great use of the repeating lines here to invoke your message–as always, enjoy listening to your unique voice, Becky
Thank you. Your presence here is felt in such a positive way by me.
Becky,
With your words, your passion, your questioning, I know you belong!
Cheers,
Mark Butkus
Thank you! Much appreciated.
‘hoping my courage is safe,
hidden in an ornate metaphorical phrase.’ beautiful!
Thank you for finding me and thank you for being so encouraging.
you belong…
with wonderful, honest, brave, evocative, powerful writers and poets
you belong…
with wonderful, honest, brave, hope-filled, strong women and human beings
you belong…
with wonderful, honest, brave, loving, compassionate, nurturing mothers
you belong…
♥
love you and your writing so much, b!
*Sparkly Super-Squishy Hugs*
Thanks Dani — I think pen and paper (or laptop) can help with bravery. I’m sure poetry can. And I’m double sure friends can.
i think i belong… i like your reflecting and thoughtful voice here becky
Thank you Claudia!
very heartfelt and expressive
done for
Thank you! That’s very nice and encouraging for you to say my friend.