misunderstood (sleeping beauty)
a free verse poem
look me in the eyes.
tell me, what do you see?
*
someone who cowers
and heeds every plea?
*
do you see someone shy
someone lacking defense?
perhaps you see someone
without confidence?
*
well i’m here to say
first impressions can lie.
from the first, sweet hellos
to the final goodbye
*
you can go a whole life
never known as you should.
i should know – it’s my self
that’s been misunderstood.
*
all of my skittishness
all of my fear
had its own cause, beyond
that which pleases your ear
*
and none of my favors–
kindness, overdid–
not one has been done
yet for your benefit
*
i protected myself
the best way i knew how.
when the rain came
my own head i did bow
*
and in the long night
i found shelter, and heat
by preserving my light
(though its flicker was weak)
*
from all of the stimuli
all of the fear
this cross that was never
my burden to bear
*
but one i absorbed
long before i was born.
this curse was my gift–
briar rose and her thorn
*
look at me now.
pray, what is it you see?
*
perhaps i’m transforming
into a new me?
*
or maybe i’m finally
not quite so opaque?
*
you can hear me, and see me?
well, make no mistake–
*
this woman is the person
i’ve been all along.
outside, i was trembling
inside, i was strong
*
knowing one day, somehow
i would burst into song–
sleeping beauty means night
but aurora means dawn
About the Creator
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Inshallah
Istanbul is a city bristling with life, a place where past and present, sacred and profane, intertwine under the watchful gaze of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. As I explore this crossroads of cultures with Maya, my nine-year-old niece and the daughter of my late brother-in-law Frank, and my wife Nadia, Frank's sister, I find myself on a journey not just through Istanbul's history, but also into the depths of my own beliefs. Staying with Maya and her mother Elvan, my sister-in-law, I begin to see the city anew through their eyes, and to understand why James Baldwin said it "revived" him.
By Geoffrey Philp 6 days ago in Wander
Comments (43)
Oh I loved this one even more on my second reading! Congratulations on your Top Story!
Congratulations on TS. (And my wife goes to Joelle tomorrow to get her hair done.)
so very very gooooood.. Bless you and your deep inner self shining through the moonlight I'm dancing to the same song with you <3
Love this, would love to hear you read it aloud. Congratulations 🥇
Powerful! I love it!
Oh child, you sure told that someone how strength is always there down deep, deep where you may miss it shining, But there for sure. This was do deep and surely came from a place of depth and feelings. Beautiful...congrats on TS.
This is beautifully written 😍
This reminds me of a song I love. Congratulations on top story.
check this https://vocal.media/poets/witty-poetry
Beautiful piece. Congrats on the TS.
Congratulations ! 🕊️✨👌🤍🥳
Holy yes
I love that way the poem shifts and boldly builds. The rhyme and meter are beautifully arranged, and your word choice is exquisite. Well done!
This is beautifully expressed and something I can relate to in terms of mental health. I really enjoyed reading it.
This was excellent, a great example of free verse
"you can go a whole life/never known as you should/i should know – it’s my self/ that’s been misunderstood." - this line hit home! What a magical piece of writing!
Well done, Joelle! This is incredible and well deserving of its Top Story badge. Congrats!
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Whew this ending sent me! This was so powerful!!!!
Nice reading this! Read mine too? https://vocal.media/poets/a-guilty-pleasure-moment
Impressive tips
This is brilliant, excellent flow and rhyme scheme; mostly I’m impressed with the message and your themes. ..”never known as you should”. So true. I loved this thoughtful and inspirational message by the end of your poem!
This is stunning start to finish! I adore the ending!
I can relate. Love the flow. Congratulations!
Bold, positive and beautifully written. Congratulations!