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.