You Don't Know

I wonder, don't you?
What people think
Or say when they
gather in hushed circles, asking
"Did you hear about Julie?"
Several pairs of eyes widen,
"What what what?"
While others yawn and move along
to the more interesting exploits of
someone far more interesting
What you don't know about me is
I worry almost incessantly about
being labeled self indulgent
or egotistical or selfish or
scene stealer or attention hog
I wonder, don't you
What people say
when they gather
in hushed circles -
I remember the sorority sisters
who chose my roommate and not
me buffy and muffin
pointed to my name and
said "Yecccchhhh" or "Ugggghhhh"
I was standing right there around
the corner and when they saw me
standing there, hearing them  they didn't say
a word, they curled their shoulders
and climbed inside their embarrassment
passing me in the hallway looking
for anyplace else to be
sometimes it is better
not to wonder about what
people think about me - are
you listening to what I say?
You don't know about me,
anyway - you just think
you do
you don't
know
about
me

(Thank you, Keith's Ramblings, for the Carry On Tuesday prompt)

Comments

[vivienne blake]

This is brilliant - very sad, but very clever. I hope that it is absolutely NOT autobiographical!

[Elizabeth]

I think we may all have some small or large piece of our person that would find agreement with your words. Emotionally impactive as well as very well written.

Elizabeth

[The Caterpillar Uprising]

Well written and a very clever portrayal of people and life!

[Nara Malone]

I hear you. I always hope I never will hear what people whisper about me. :)

[Kelsey]

I really, really like this. Your words bring to mind that heavy, dull feeling that rises up from your stomach and fills your throat when you realize that you are the one that others are talking about.

[Jingle]

amazing!

[Amias]

I truly enjoyed this, it's as if for a moment I was listening without you knowing it .... eavesdropping on your thoughts .. is a better way of saying it. This is very original, and the style is refreshingly creative.

[Tilly Bud]

I think you've hit a nerve with a lot of people here.

[Tekia]

I think it's hard not to wonder. Really enjoyed my read.