Saturday, November 14, 2009

Please hear what I am not saying


Originally, I had intended to post the typical light hearted, nonsense type post that you most likely have become accustomed to finding here. However, in the course of my travels today, I stumbled upon something that I must share with you instead.
Please hear what I am not saying is the title of one of the best poems I have ever read. It was written by Charles C. Finn in September 1966. The author handed it out to his students when he was beginning his career as a high school teacher. Over the years, this poem, has made an incredible journey. The websites home page dubs this as "a poem with a life of it's own".
I encourage you to stop by and read this poem for yourself. I assure you that you won't be sorry. While there you may want to also read the stories of the poems journey.
If you do read Please hear what I am not saying I would love to know what you thought of it. In my opinion this is a poem that is about all of us at some point in our life.

15 comments:

Rick (Ratty) said...

On your recommendation I read the poem. It was a long one, but I soon found myself mesmerized by it. I like it a lot. It's the story of every one of us. Something not many have thought of is that blogging on the internet is a great way to secretly show some of that hidden part of us while still being able to hide behind another safe mask.

Unknown said...

That poem was about me--my natural self. Of course, my born-again self is not so different. Well, at least not yet.

Jen said...

Very touching words, and so true. Even in the midst of cancer and chemo my standard answer to the "How are you?" question was, "Just fine, and you?" One of the things I learned from that? A true friend will ask you TWICE :o) Great post.

Ann said...

Ratty I also found myself mesmerized by the poem. I think I read it 3 times :)

FishHawk I too saw myself in that poem. I have my own personal wharehouse of walls and masks

Jen ah yes the good old standard "just fine" know it well. Funny I can't recall anyone asking me twice

Angela said...

It has been awhile since I read this poem. I think the first time that I read it was in high school. It really does speak to all of us who hide behind an untouchable facade. Thanks for posting this:)

Anonymous said...

hello... hapi blogging... have a nice day! just visiting here....

Anonymous said...

It truly is a great poem Ann...I think it is definitely one that applies to every person in this world...the masks only ever come off with someone you truly trust. Thanks for the link as I had never read the poem before and really connected with it.

atenean101 said...

one thing's for sure. this is the only poem that i considered ultimate... the best among the best. it's not just about me, it's about all of us.

BeadedTail said...

I hadn't read that poem before but agree that it applies to everyone. Thanks for the link!

Ann said...

Angela your welcome, this was the first time I had read it and I found it very moving

Hapi thanks for stopping by

allotments4you I think that all of us can relate to this poem

atenean101 I completely agree with you

beaded tail you are very welcome.

Anne said...

I think Ratty is right that it is something that bloggers can really relate to. Most of us share certain parts of ourselves that we choose not to or are unable to share face to face. The Internet provides a certain barrier that makes us feel protected.

Sugar Daddy Dating said...

a very lovely poem, this is the first time i read this.

Connie Girl said...

Ann,
Thanks for sharing this beautiful poem. It made me think of a dear friend whose compassion knows no bounds. I think all of us have worn many masks over the years and only someone with true compassion can see thru them.
Thanks again
Connie

Ann said...

Anne yes but even on the internet I think we tend to guard ourselves. I know I do

Sugar Daddy Dating, was the first time I had heard it also

Connie Girl your welcome

Sharkbytes said...

Ann- I keep seeing your name in comments on Ratty's blog, and just realized that I've been to your blog several times but didn't realize who it was. I'll go read the poem, but I love the pic.

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