Month: March 2019

Even now, I hesitate to speak of every little thing that bothers me

People are capable of caring genuinely; but not entirely.

Makes sense, after all, everyone has their own story to contend to.

 

Nevermind those…

 

What I speak of are competitive folk.

Those who listen as you mourn your loss,

And as you cry, are all too busy formulating

An over-exaggerated, self-righteous speech in their head

If only to prove how much they can out-mourn you.

 

– O.D. ©2019

 

Art by: JoeyJazz

 

Pain is pain no matter how small it may be for you. Don’t patronize someone else’s pain because you’ve gone through it or it feels small to you. Don’t compare how you deal with pain with others’ way of doing it. We all go through the same events differently.

And just because you’re a supposed “expert” at suffering, doesn’t mean everyone should automatically feel good whenever you show your martyr complex like a trophy. 

Status update: Our love is so powerful. So, so powerful. I could never love another.

 

“Yes. Yes. A thousand times Yes.

That is why your lover constantly seeks my affection

All without you taking notice.

Because they absolutely love you”

 

— Is, what I would say, If I was in the middle of a heated

High school drama over social media. 

But I’m not – honest.

Besides, you have no choice but to believe me,

That’s if I were lying. But am I?

That’s a joke. Of course, I’m not

 

— Is, what I would say if I was actually lying

Trying to cover my tracks. But you believe I’m telling the truth

Don’t you? No need to doubt me; the source, for lying.

After all, I just said I’m not.

 

…

…

…Wait.

What were we talking about again?

 

– O.D. ©2019

 

Art by: JoeyJazz

 

I am drawn to authenticity. I haven’t exactly made that secret, especially with poems like Authentic: You hovering on my front page. A feeling of genuineness and transparency within those that surround me; I have no doubt many people also seek the same thing. Which is why it baffles me when people are quick to discard their identities when it becomes convenient.

Adopting a new identity fully, no holds barred; discarding their old one like worn socks. I understand succinct changes can occur when you hang out with others, subconsciously even. You may start to adopt a few mannerisms and particular inflections in your speech. But to discard who you are entirely just so you can take on what you believe to be a more favourable persona? Wow.

I say “wow” because I could never trust someone like that. I hold my identity very closely; It’s who I am. And if someone shows little to no love for who they are as an individual, and are willing to trade it all in to “Look good”; I’d like to believe our relationship is built on lies. Who’s to say what else they are willing to forego in their pursuit to “look good”? Our love? Our friendship? I don’t care if someone uses the excuse of “I’m afraid people won’t like the real me”. No, love you first instead of waiting for others to do it for you. Love you and your flaws instead of using other peoples’ validation as an excuse to pretend to be someone you’re not. Do the hard thing, the hard thing many people do on a daily. You wouldn’t be the first person in the history of humanity to do so.

******

My friend Dorinda Duclos commented on one of my posts saying: 

“…The invention of FB, Twitter, etc, has allowed many to be someone they are not. There is no one like you, so why try to be someone else? I never understood that…”

(Visit her blog by the way, amazing writer 🙂 )

                                                                                ******

I agree with what she says here. Social networks may not be the prime cause, but they certainly contribute a large deal. I remember mentioning how “trends and other forms of branding have transcended from the material to the spiritual”. It’s not about adopting particular clothing, but a particular personality; whatever appeals to most people. Of course, I’m not saying everyone does this on social media; but people are constantly pushed to compete amongst themselves without even realizing it. All through the perceived idea of the “ideal”.

“Stay positive. Always be positive 24/7. No room for negativity”

“Love you only. And learn not to give a f*ck”

“You won’t know what a real party experience is until you go to the FYRE festival” <=== I just had to.

Sub-cultures within cyberspace have their own systems and functions. And most of these sub-cultures perpetuate and encourage being someone you are not. Again, not everyone is like this; I’m talking about those that do. If you are not sure of yourself you will easily fall prey to whatever you believe is trendy or “cool”.

The poem I wrote showcases the convoluted nature of shuffling identities. The utter mess we could all fall into if we start playing pretend. You could get praise and adoration and it all adds to this insatiable fix you start getting from cheap highs. Likes, Upvotes, hearts and all other forms of social currency could come your way and it could feel really good. But like anything else we consume these days, people will start drifting once they get bored with your false identity. What will you do then? Besides adopting another identity; especially once you’ve become dependant on the cheap thrill/highs of embodying something you’re not?

And if you decide to let it all go after having lived years pretending to be someone else, who will you be?

Earth, Earth, Earth …

Just a house with sparsely spaced continents;

What we call countries mark our different but

Intricately designed rooms, some of which are divided

By an ambitious swimming pool.

 

Easy to forget we are all connected 

Till you remember we rely on the same light;

Probably a good thing that the orb of light

Is within sight, and not within reach,

You just know some eager fellow

Would’ve already tried to claim it as their own.

 

And guess what? Those that play the part of our parents?

Those that claim to run governments, in our best interests?

Making rules behind their lavish podiums?

Do more when fattening their pockets with that Charles Darrow currency.

 

This is why I chuckle when they think I am, at all, interested in what they have

No, you delusional pieces of unintelligible refuse

The only time you could ever have me flinching;

Fighting fiendishly, for something I want

Is when you manage to make yourself at home

In the world that inhabits my mind.

 

But till then,

…Relax…

And like a good little boy/girl

Keep playing boss in your dollhouse.

 

– O.D. ©2019

 

Art by: nehas91