I’m the man who doesn’t belong
that’s why I sing you this song
La de dah
La de dee
La de dum
I am the scarf, you need for an accent.
I make everyone look better in contrast.
Wanted too be an old pair of shoes.
The one you seek for comfort after
a day of running around in the zoo.
Some one you could come home to
and just be you. Instead, I am the giving cues
for the lines you know but can’t
remember when to use.
I have known a few designer jeans
they were always tight to the seam.
More concerned about fit than comfort --
they were fast to correct a line
and really keen to accessorize --
I was too independent to be a lap dog.
Dude, they wanted me to be a war hero
killed on the battle line of a war story,
then they could be the grieving widow
smiling through tears when the cameras
were flashing and looking their best
wearing my deed in this country’s time of need.
Been told I was a bum and probably pretty dumb.
For all of my brains, I couldn’t be trained,
couldn’t make more money than anyone.
Wouldn’t mind being an old sweater.
Something to bang around in the house
in all kinds of weather. Cardigan or crew neck
it doesn’t really matter. I would be happy
being the one that lets you relax after work
and lets you feel better when hurt.
Instead, I am the man who doesn’t belong
That’s the reason I sing this song.
Looking for work to keep a roof overhead,
hoping to find someone who wants me around
like me better alive than dead.
You may think I’m a clown but that’s cause
you’re uncool and nothing more than last year’s tie.
So good bye.
11:39 PM
March 8, 2009
Alexandria, VA
Author notes
Then you might know what its like ... Comin' up from where I've been down, maybe you would.
A contest entry
- Then you might know what it's like... by zochit2me.
1200 points, ended March 28, 11 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think, what it makes you feel, how you are moved.
Comments
1 - 28 of 28
-
Not all heros wear uniforms. Some just knock about the tatters and bruises, plain clothesmen. Their green eyes spill sunlight and will getcha every time.
-
-
It takes time to find out the best person to be is you.
Love, Tom B.
-
-
Cannon left a very good comment that I think all of us agree with here. You did wonderful and I wish u the best of luck in the contest.
Kari
-
-
Thanks, glad you enjoyed.
Love,
Tom B.
-
-
a deep one
read it several times I think I agree with cannon, well done, a trip through the stages of life
-
-
Who we are becomes us. When it is relished by another we delight in being all we can discover. It is part of growing up to discover that we are the only ones who can wear us.
Love, Tom B. -
-
tis true indeed
-
-
May your heart be larger than a box of chocolates.
Love, Tom B.
-
-
-
-
Great!
I love how you changed the clothing.
Very unique and new
-
-
Often we are only what we see. It is when we are willing to be more that the adventure begins.
Love, Tom B.
-
-
Maybe the person who has lived the various faces of life and yet now feels more at home in his own skin, does understand what it's like. Yet I get the feeling you wouldn't predispose your idea's on to anyone who seemed unable to understand.That can be the outside influence of ignorance though. If you are down at heel for too long it's hard to redeem yourself sometimes. I think perhaps reading this may show them, you don't always have to get all the way to the top immediately, it's a slow passageway to the light C
-
-
I have learned that you don't give someone more love than they can share. But you care with your whole heart.
Love, Tom B.
-
-
Wow!!!!
This is so not expected and so very good...so many layers to this all rich and textured...I will re-read this again and again until it is all absorbed
Yeah...I might know what it's like...but so I really?
♥Becky♥
-
-
First response -- great compliment. I wrote the chorus of the song down and kept in a notebook with me for several days. Last night I was at an open mic and got the first two lines of the second verse. By the time I got home, the poem fought until I found the opening lines throbbing at me. The rest, well, you read it. Certain amount of pain, certain amount of being true to the self, certain amount of that certain amount of being in a world to big to be contained. Tenderness is a virtue that many mistake as a weakness. They do this only because they are unwilling to live at risk, be as big as their dreams. The world ain't fair but it is fairly even about doing to everyone. Still got to laugh, love, share joy and have fun if you want to live. I am rambling. So I will stop. But -- if you know what it is like... you take it any way you can get it or buy lots of shoes.
Love,
Tom B.
-
-
This was amazying, I love the metaphor. You really capture the essesence of raw emotions. Good luck in the contest.
-
-
Thanks for the kudos. The contest? Well, depends on how she looks at the song she used for a prompt. People see things through their already listenings.
Love, Tom B.
-
-
Wow you out did yourself on this one. I wish you luck on finding work. I love the way you keep like bing different clothes. It was a pleasure to read.
-
-
We are all multifaceted. I have never been able to focus on just one. They all relate, they all have their interplay. This is but one example. Fortunately, I am not out of work now, but that may change. I have been there enough, job security is not part of my life. I am blessed to have a wife who it stresses but knows I do the best I can. The artistic world ebbs and flows. Thanks for enjoying my flight of angst.
Love,
Tom B.
-
-
It's Okay...
You ain't gotta be up all the time and being down does not make you are bitter it makes you human. We all succumb to a variety of human emotions...these color us a person with many sides and this is not an evil or bad thing. It's part of what makes you U and that's pretty wonderful. I'm glad you're showing a different range of self. It is also empowering to let go because you remain the master of you and pain can kick rocks-smile. I can benefit from this.
-
-
I know the song of not belonging all too well. Too smart, too loud, too energetic, too up, too down, too intense Yada yada. I learned to love myself in the end, deal with the anxiety running out of control, become more human and tender in this world of fear. Doesn't mean I don't sometimes return to the land of my education I no longer fear pain, feel like I have something to prove or need to have every one approve. Yeah, it is good to be reminded from time to time. Plus, I find that the visits increase my understanding and tenderness for those still living inside the nightmares.
Love, Tom B.
-
-
Wow! I didn't think you had this in you! There is so much venom in your words, yet the emotions of having been hurt for being used, yet not cherished. Your metaphors were phenomenal, and the real-life examples added emphasis to your point. Keep up the great work!
-
-
It is not often you will see this side of me. I would rather build on the positive than wallow in the anger and pain. Doesn't mean it isn't there, just, not where I choose to live.
Love, Tom B.
-
-
This is a very strong write--kind of cynical and bitter, but representing real feelings. I guess we have all known women who use men like accessories (and men who use women like Barbie dolls), but fortunately there are good people out there and true love partnerships are possible. I really enjoyed reading your poem.
-
-
This is a side of me that doesn't often get loose. Cynicism is like salt. Too much of it kills all the flavor. Wanted to catch just what you described. Thanks much for the review.
Peace & Light,
Tom B.
-
-
I really enjoyed reading this. Very heartfelt and honest. Keep your writing and I've love to read more.
-
-
Thanks for the sweet review. Stop by any time.
Love, Tom B.
-
-
In the 60's these words would of been lyrics, you sure tell of a broken hearted man stopping, thinking and collecting his thoughts, emotions...how he still could love her, if given the chance...but he's free now and making the best of it....I felt like reaching out and giving him a hug, cause this happens to many men as well as women.......You captured the essence of a sad period of time....that most people know nothing about.....excellent.........novy
-
-
It's funny I use the bit about scarfs being accents that bring the color out in an ensemble when describing kitchen counters and how they work. I got the opening line after the la de dum while at a poetry reading last night.
There are a lot of people we can love. Some of them it turns out have a social disease and it ain't always STD's. Plus I have spent enough time being someone who feels like he doesn't ever quite fit in. Wanted the humor in this to keep it from being maudlin. Thanks for the review. Glad you enjoyed.
love Tom B.
-
Adding your comment:
1 - 28 of 28
