Is anyone listening? (a poem)

Is anyone listening?

Does anyone care?

Have I become unpalatable,

is it my burden to bear?

I flay myself

on the altar of art,

cut down to the bone,

break every last part.

I write it on paper,

type it into my phone,

share it with the world,

and feel utterly alone.

I’m not asking for sympathy

or your pity du jour.

I won’t pack this up

and take it on tour.

I just wanted to say

how I feel sometimes,

about the life I live,

written out amongst rhymes.

When it seems most futile,

my attempts all in vain,

I see you there.

Are you feeling the same?

I guess that’s why we do this;

laying it out for all to see.

Because somewhere among you,

someone feels just like me.

~ elr

Visit my website to hear this poem, as read by the author. https://www.elredwine.com/is-anyone-listening/?src=lmn8_250725

Image: ID 16620993 © Bjorn Hovdal | Dreamstime

#poetry #poetrycommunity #poems #poetsoflemon8 #connection

2025/7/25 Edited to

... Read moreThe poem "Is Anyone Listening?" eloquently captures the universal feelings of isolation and the desire for connection that many people experience. Through vivid imagery and raw emotion, the poet conveys the vulnerability involved in exposing one's inner thoughts and struggles to the world. Publishing or sharing art—whether through writing on paper or typing on a phone—can sometimes feel like an invisible plea for acknowledgment and understanding. This experience is particularly poignant in poetry, as it allows for a creative and rhythmic way to express complex emotions. Poetry has long served as a medium for personal expression and social connection, offering a unique way to communicate what might be difficult to say otherwise. The poem’s refrain, questioning if anyone is listening or caring, highlights a common human concern: the fear that our feelings and experiences may go unnoticed or unappreciated. Yet, the poem also embraces the community that poetry creates, fostering empathy among those who relate to the emotions shared. Sharing poetry online not only broadens the audience but also builds supportive communities where individuals can find solace and validation. The hashtags "#poetry," "#poetrycommunity," "#poems," "#poetsoflemon8," and "#connection" reflect this digital gathering of like-minded souls seeking to be heard and understood. The poem’s message is a reminder of the powerful role art plays in mental well-being and human connection. By laying bare personal pain and hopes through rhymes, poets can connect deeply with readers who might be experiencing similar feelings of futility or loneliness. Such engagement can provide comfort, reduce feelings of isolation, and build bonds grounded in shared human experience. For readers and writers alike, taking the time to listen and respond meaningfully to such art can reinforce the sense that no one is truly alone. It encourages openness, empathy, and ultimately healing through the shared experience of emotion articulated in poetry.

1 comment

sues tictoc's images
sues tictoc

I hear you. I’m a very good listener.💕