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SMHAF Collaborative Poem

Now You See Me

chorus of voices on what it means to be In/Visible 

You don’t see me  

See ME 

You see an expression  

An indentation of who I was  

An impression of who you think I am 

A fragmented puzzle 

Unembraced unheard undone? 

I hobble and I’ve had a wobble – 

Angry frustration rams me  

Against a brick wall 

I’m not just a name on a list 

A note, a prescription 

For anxiety, mood swings, depression. 

 Do you see loneliness?  

In loneliness we find light to ignite a need  

To right our problems. 

In problems, we find pauses and causes  

That induce ire 

In ire we can ignite fire 

A fire that burns with light – and love. 

What you see is the cover 

You haven’t opened the book. 

The Victorians thought children should be seen, 

Not heard. I am seen but not heard. 

I’m a musician. I play piano and clarinet, 

I’d like to play for you now 

But I can’t because of the tremors 

In my hands and fingers – 

The side effects of medication lingers. 

I am seen but not heard. 

I am a son, a father  

A daughter, a mother,  

Granny, grandad, 

Uncle, aunty, cousin – 

I am human. 

My human heart beats 

Blood pumps 

Senses tingle. 

I struggle 

I strive 

To survive 

To thrive  

When I hear words of affirmation 

I feel seen 

When I feel understood 

Not judged, I feel seen. 

I’ve had a wobble  

But you haven’t seen the rest of me 

The best of me 

I’m caring, creative, gifted, smart, 

Thoughtful, approachable, funny.  

I’m funny! 

Now you see me but many don’t. 

Some may hear me but plenty won’t. 

Do I stay in the corner – or perform on a stage? 

Can I always remain calm – or fly off in a rage?  

I don’t want to hide away  

Any longer. 

I didn’t have a reason ‘til you made me smile 

I was lost in a sea of darkness, of silence,  

When you gave me respect  

And I grew in strength – 

When you saved me from setting the world on fire – 

Your smile engulfed me 

Brought out the person I used to know  

Visible for all to see – 

The smile you gave me 

Saved me. 

I want to walk and breathe without the fight 

I am enough and that feels right. 

It feels as if someone has wrapped 

A big blanket around my shoulders – 

I’d got so used to the cold  

I didn’t know I needed it. 

Now you see me.