POETRY

True Colors

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iScriblr_true_colors

How often do we find ourselves doing things just because 
we have to and not because we want to? 
And yes, I am not talking about the hard work (desperate measures) 
aimed at achieving success at jobs (work place) 
or the obvious efforts to provide for your family. 
Here, I’m referring to the things we do just to please others 
and to project a certain image of ourselves to the world 
that isn’t even coherent with who we really are! 
How often have we worn a “mask” awaiting approval 
of our family, friends, colleagues or even the neighbor next door? 
How often have we lied to ourselves and forced ourselves into believing 
that we are "no good" and OTHERS are better? 
How often have we lived a "shallow" life, INVISIBLE to the world?

Well, I ask - How can you live your best lives, when “best” is defined by someone else?

Piercing my mettle,

You unsee my true colors,

Insensitive much!

I'm more than what meets the eye,

Why belittle me in vain?

This post is written in response to OctPoWriMo Challenge – where you’ll write a “POEM” everyday for 31 days, using the prompt word. Follow this link to learn more about it, see other submissions, and to share your own. Come and join in the fun folks!

Day 23 word prompt is “SEE ME!”

Suggested Form – A Haibun.

Haibun poems originate in Japan, and were invented in the 17th century by famous poet Matsuo Basho. He thought to combine popular Chinese prose elements with Japanese haiku styles for an educational and creative outcome. The rules for its construction are simple yet unique. Each haibun must have a title, followed by a prose-like paragraph. Afterward, a simple poetic haiku adds more descriptive and creative elements to the scene. While the two distinct elements of the haibun may seem vastly different at first, the reader will come to learn that they are in fact interwoven and forever connected. One paragraph and one poem can build a haibun poem.

As always any feedback and advise is more than appreciated!

Love,iScriblr_signature

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98 Comments

  1. haibun is one of my favourite forms to write, i look back on my previous ones and they will read like journal entries – yours is very strong and has a deep message

    Reply

    1. Oh wow, that’s lovely Gina – I will check them out on your blog! 🙂

      This is my first time trying it out and I must say, I loved it!❤

      Reply

      1. it is tight, concise and descriptive of a moment, gets me to being very present with myself. best wishes on for your writing Richa, well done always

        Reply

  4. I just discovered this form, and am a little in love with it.

    Your haibun is striking and hit a chord with me. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

  10. Getting goosebumps! Time and time again, your poetry speaks to my heart and my life! Here’s to living our life to the fullest. May we define our lives and our own successes. <3 😀

    Reply

  17. Hi Richa,

    great questions and from answers we can learn a lot about ourselves.If you asking me, from those answers depends our life in sense that we will find out are we live for and because of others, or for and because of us 🙂

    Reply

  26. You can never please the whole world …….. judging ourselves on parameters set by others always is demotivating . Great post Richa

    Reply

  30. “How often do we find ourselves doing things just because
    we have to and not because we want to?” too often 😔

    Trying to be a people pleaser only drains the life out of us which is quite unfortunate since there’s more to us than that. We should always stay true to who we are

    I love the message in this ❤️

    Reply

  31. “Insensitive much!” had me going “OOOOOOOOOOHHH” Such a slap. Love it!

    I loved the theme here, about how being belittled by people who don’t even see what they are supposed to be belittling. So then the prompt “see me” becomes more of an angry wish, because if you ARE going to berate me for something, at least berate me for things I actually am. Powerful message there, if a bit wounded, but such is life. Wonderful, just wonderful!

    Reply

  35. So bold and empowering! I love it! I definitely have done this, attempting to please others at the sake of not listen to my inner voice. It’s something I’ve come a long way on, but continue to be mindful of to help me feel in alignment.

    It’s such a hard lesson to learn, but it is very liberating.❤️😊

    Reply

    1. I so agree with you Jenna – it’s definitely difficult but very liberating at the end!❤️

      Thank you so much for reading! 🙂

      Reply

  36. This resonates with me. I have spent more than half of my life doing things to please others and but not anymore, I have wizened up and boy am I glad

    Reply

    1. I so agree Piyali! It’s been #storyOfOurLives – Especially being a women!
      I’m so glad you could break free and liberate yourself of the ordeal. Bravo!❤️

      Reply

  37. A thought provoking poem, dear! Oftentimes, others want to change us according to what they want but it’s up to us. Being true to ourselves and not be dictated by others is much more important for ourselves. It is the best way to be happy.

    Reply

    1. I am so glad that this resonated with you Winnie.. Thank you so so much!❤

      I agree, the key to our happiness lies within us!❤

      Reply

  38. This is really an amazing truth. We need to be ourselves in order to be happy with who we truly are meant to be. It get’s hard sometimes, with opposition, but we must press on. Thank you! 🙂

    Reply

    1. I agree, the key to our happiness lies within us!❤

      “The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it’s all that matters.”
      ― Audrey Hepburn

      Reply

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