I want to belong

Poem

You chat away
about trivial events
and fictitious ordeals
I watch you,
from the outside,
Helplessly.

You belong effortlessly
I struggle in futility
fumbling at every step
Unable to get in,
incapable of learning your ways,
I withdraw.

Remaining indoors
to stay outside
Watching
discreetly wishing,
to belong,
like you.

https://www.reddit.com/r/OCPoetry/comments/ssb9cs/valentines_day/hwwtlso?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share&context=3

https://www.reddit.com/r/OCPoetry/comments/ssauyo/morning_rush/hwwuqot?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share&context=3

Posted Feb 14, 2022, 2:58 PM UTC

116
Doomglow•

Remaining indoors to stay outside is a very well written line that highlights alot of what is no neat about this poem. Its a very direct and clear piece which is something I'm always a fan of, but it finds a few ways to have fun while staying meaningful and on topic. I really enjoyed it!!

4
DesignerockOP•

Thank you! Your kind words mean so much

3
asearchforyou•

incapable of learning your ways,

unspoken or inconsistently enforced social norms are a [impolite word]

i respect anyone and everyone who is direct and upfront about how they feel, but those who are polite to your face and (something else) behind your back? they are, um, something else.

this is to some extent a human phenomenon, but some (sub)cultures are better than others about actually lifting people up to include them. so much of it boils down to "elitist gatekeeping" vs. "egalitarian solidarity"

if our social status rests on our access to rarified exclusive social clubs, we are going to be far less likely to reach out to others not yet on our level to teach them what they need to learn in order to get into the country club themselves. after all, their presence might "cheapen it," and besides what could they offer the inviter? something compromising or humiliating?

if our social status rests on how many people choose to turn to us when they are in urgent need, then we are going to act in a different way. we will teach our craft as an excuse to pass on other life lessons. we will be proud of all the people who have taken our lessons to heart and become more successful than the one who initially got them going. our sense of self-esteem and self-compassion and self-confidence won't be tied to titles or wealth or bragging rights. it will live in the people who love us and turn to us for help

3
[deleted]•

I really enjoyed reading this piece! In my perspective, as the reader, I find a great deal of emotion invoked in the way the rings well with the title. This is a very powerful piece, however, I feel like you can add more. In the great words of Paul Valery: “A Poem Is Never Finished, It is Only Abandoned.” I think that the more you condense the poem, the more abstract it becomes and allows the reader to spend more time contemplating your piece and it’s meaning. All together, it is a fabulous piece, and I hope to see your work around here more often!

2
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1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
Mynamejeaff•

Great poem and great title.

It conveys so much and yet so little.

My favorite line was - “you belong effortlessly I struggle in futility”

It perfectly illustrates the contrast you want to convey while still rhyming.

1