"In the Corner of My Eye"
Lie(s)
Her conversation begins with a lie
but the Other doesn't know it.
She answers fine to the question
How are you? She is not,
isn't fine at all. The Other is relieved
to hear the expected answer, the one
everyone gives with a smile. Fine,
just fine, fine physically, mentally,
emotionally, fine in every possible way.
The Other says Great to hear, me too.
~ Mary
Thank you, Robert. I am very honored by this! Nothing like this has ever happened to me before.
ReplyDeleteWonderful poem! Good work!
ReplyDeleteYay for Poets United, which has opened a whole brand new window into the world for me. Write on, fellow poets!!!!
This poem is spot on. I am reminded of many people as I read this, people that are "just fine". That, to me, is a good way to stop a conversation cold. Good writing, Mary.
ReplyDeleteI like it! So comprehending of the human condition, seems to me!
ReplyDeletePatricia
http://pmpoetwriter.blogspot.com/
Mary this is superb!
ReplyDeleteHow often do we say those things to people.
Congratulations girl!
Pam
Mary, this is such a great poem about interactions most of us have all the time. Universal and I am so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteIncisive poem .Mary...about how disconnected and fearful people often are even as they seeming,y interact.in simple language the eloquence of haunting hollowness between self and Other...chilling and lovely
ReplyDeleteMary, this a commendable poem and so true! Please don't ask me if I'm fine LOL. Congrats to you! This is indeed an honor.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great poem, Mary -- you sure are reaching into the depths these days. I think it's paying off! <3
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing to find you poem here, Mary. I do like this one very much. It captures one of those everyday things very simply and feels universal. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteMary, congratulations! You are so deserving. This poem really captures the amount of superficiality so many live in, day to day, without knowing it. I heard an acronym for FINE once, which was F*$ked up, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional - so now, when I say I'm fine, I'm covered, either way!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, again!
Corinne
Thanks to all of you for your comments. I so greatly appreciate your words and positive thoughts!
ReplyDeleteMary, I'm thrilled to see your poem recognized here as Poem of the Week! It tells such truth and as others have said, it's definitely universal. Ah, humanity.
ReplyDeleteCongrats!
Lynne
Congrats and so true! My husband deals with having to answer this question all the time. He has Chronic Crohn's Disease and often says 'fine' when he's not.....
ReplyDeletegreat poem....