I finished The unnamed girl series roughly a month ago, and it was received better than I expected. For those that don’t know, it’s a six-part anthology expressed through the lenses of a character going through (to avoid spoilers I’ll say) “many things” that are open to interpretation. You can check it out here if you wish to read it; links to all parts are within the post.
The past few days I’ve been reflecting over something else. The Unnamed Guy Series, I never planned on it but it felt like a missed opportunity in retrospect. I obviously don’t want the characters to mirror each other, but I feel I’ve done enough character building to piece this one together. This might be a once-off, let me know what you think and if you’d like to see more of it in the future.
18+ Sexual Themes, Language, Suicide.
I don’t talk about my failures.
Not all of them. Can you guess why?
You know why. Because failures are for losers.
It feels good not to think of them;
Don’t give me that look. I don’t want to feel weak.
Nor would you.
I hate myself, yet I scream “I love you”
— On the inside —
Hoping saying it enough times will make it true.
A running gag really— I won’t deny it,
Unless you say it in front of my mates.
“Also, also, if I may add — you latch onto hurt like an entitled child”
Who the fuck are you?
“What? You think anyone would stick around for you?
The REAL you? The best untold joke”
Hey, no-one leaves me, I leave them
Looking back. None of them were worth my time anyway.
“Sure buddy, Listen — you choose poorly because deep down,
You know, that’s exactly what you’re worth — You say you don’t need anyone
Because it will make living with yourself a whole lot easier”
You don’t get to tell that to me unless I do.
When it comes from anyone else, no matter how true
To me, it holds literally no value.
“Loving you is your biggest complication
You wall off — it’s what you’re good at
When people get too close, you push them away
Because it’s getting too real — it terrifies you,
Losing your power.
You want control”
And what’s so wrong about that?
You say it like I’m supposed to give it all away.
“You’re a good bullshit detector
Because you’re a naturally gifted bull-shitter
I’d tell you to slit your wrists, but knowing you,
It’d be a miracle if you even manage to do that properly.
Remember that night, when you were called a ‘disgrace’?”
Would saying “yes” stop you from bothering me?
“Don’t interrupt me,
I can rightfully confirm you’re exactly that
But don’t worry — as if you ever do —
You weren’t taught any better,
It’s all about getting the girl and giving her a hard fuck, right?
I know how nice it is, to have an excuse to fall back to
When you don’t act right”
That doesn’t sound anything like me!
“Of course! But you sure as hell wish it could be!”
How can I or anyone like me be any better when you only speak of the ugly!?
“Because that’s all there is to fuckin’ see!”
You know this world does not reward being real!
Only the best idea of it! So what if I face a hiccup?
I fall and I stand up again! That’s how it works!
I own up and make something out of it!
“Hah! Your little tantrum means shit!
You’re nothing! Your worth is in what you have.
Celebrate ‘this’ because that’s as good as it will ever get
-For you.
Natural selection baby! Life will continue to bend you over
And give you a hard one from behind
And you will learn to like it, maybe even enjoy it — talk about it? No.
Who wants to hear about your limitless failures,
What kind of man are you anyway?”
You’re wrong! There’s more to being a man than that!
I’m allowed to have feelings, to be vulne –
“Fucking sensitive, god! Have a little grit!
THIS is why people leave. You’re not a pillar.
Talk to me when you learn how to wear pants in relationships alright?
Till then, get under your covers — tug and pull
And when you eventually leave your shell and don’t get loved back?
Make like an incel and blame everyone around you, except you.
Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone”
You’ve said a lot. I’ll be completely honest about one thing.
You’re the voice I dream of killing.
“I’m you, so you know exactly what that means”
– O.D. ©2020
Art by: StephanePellennec
O.D. 
Excellent excellent piece. Deep and layered.
Thank you. Much love Tara ❤
This has been an incredible day. Earlier, I read Anupriya’s poem, “Are There Walls Again?”, and now yours. I feel like I’m in the presence of masters. Mike, your poem impacts in so many ways. It throws a storm at the reader. The structure is so creative! And I think the poem is wonderfully accessible, which adds to its incredible impact. Thank you so much for making my day!
I also read it. It was incredible! Left a comment cause that piece took me places. We should all work on something in the future Paul, I think that would be a great idea.
Thank you for your kind words, made my day. Needed that 🙂
Do you mean a collaboration? You, me, and Anupriya? That’s such an attractive idea!
Yes, the whole gang! I think it’d be an insane piece! (in a good way of course lol)
You know, I think you’re onto something! Let’s run it by Anupriya. I’ll write a three way email later on tonight — you, me, and her. We’ll see what she says. Maybe kick around some ideas!
Just now sent an email to you and her.
Perfect! Thanks Paul!