Now is the time.
Blank Expression.
The lights are on but there is nobody in.
I can hear all the people quietly talking.
There must be someone inside of there.
With a cold blank expression, I just stare.
When I speak, I want everyone to listen.
I want them to understand my position.
I know I should speak about my situation.
I don't want to answer all the questions.
They say there's sadness behind my eyes.
I often wonder have they wondered why.
It seems it is difficult to engage with me.
Its normal for me to be cold emotionally.
Teachers are not too sure if I'm taking it in.
I often get accused of not paying attention.
I am listening and breathing everything in.
It’s just another world I am currently living.
They will always judge me on what they see.
Making no effort to get to know the real me.
In some ways I am happy with their decision.
It means I don’t have to answer any questions.
Nataiella 1997.
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Author:
Tobani / Nataiella (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: August 8th, 2025 02:39
- Comment from author about the poem: Written as a child, have a great weekend
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 65
- Users favorite of this poem: Friendship, Poetic Licence, Violet_Writes, Cheeky Missy, Damaso, Tristan Robert Lange, Teddy.15, Abdullah123
Offline)
Comments14
A child who's elevator went to the top floor but who chose to lock the door. Clever use of metaphor for a child what's more. All messing around aside Tobani this was very nicely worked out for a child. It shows early indications of poetic ability. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for your feedback, I wrote it an english class for the teacher teaching us, he used to get great enjoyment of ridiculing me infront of the other pupil's, he didn't like the poem. Hope you have a wonderful weekend
What a magnificent poem! It strikes a chord within me, and I comprehend and can identify with its essence. Your poem "Blank Expression" explores themes of emotional isolation, misunderstanding, and the struggle for authentic communication. It reflects the internal experience of someone who feels disconnected from others and struggles to convey their feelings or thoughts.
Thank you for your kind feedback, very much appreciated. Wishing you a wonderful weekend
You're so welcome, thank you. Enjoy your weekend too.
Thank you
It is not hard to see where you are coming from .. extraordinarily well com[posed and my word it looks pretty .. no easy feat to write as a child and keep such good form .. bravo Tobani .. Neville
Thank you for your feedback, very much appreciated. As a child thats all I did was write, not talk, so I think my writing was quite good as I had plenty of practice, take care
This poem captures the quiet ache of feeling unseen and misunderstood, where detachment is not indifference but a shield against intrusion. There’s such a poignancy in the contrast between external judgment and internal complexity of what’s perceived versus what’s felt. The speaker isn’t absent, just elsewhere.
Thank you for your kind feedback, very much appreciated., Hope you have a wonderful weekend
Most welcome, friend 🙏🏻🕊
Good write PL.
Thank you for your feedback, very much appreciated, hope you have a wonderful weekend
They've a term, or rather terms, psychological labels for such behaviors, and nowadays a plethora of support groups for all of us who never were exactly "extroverted," nor the most sociable [by their standards], nor as ready to render ourselves complete fools by answering or responding as if we completely understood. I doubt we're really that odd, but who knows. By adulthood, my loving father advised me to keep my jaw from hanging open [an unconscious gesture] lest people think me stupid when he knew otherwise. Theoretically we've an ability to live freely now. Perhaps we've only rather found a place where others like ourselves are. Beautifully rendered with excellent imagery and a vibrant poignancy. Thank you very much for sharing.
When I was young being in my own world was my only protection and maybe to some extent still is. I appreciate your understanding feedback and hope You, Barry and the Fluffballs have a wonderful weekend
Hahaha. Barry's is only fresh Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It's juggled a bit if the third shift seems to demand it. I suspect I'm truly not much different than yourself. I have literally shut down conversations not intentionally, but because I've had too much and neither can nor will continue carrying on my part, just reverting to listening. I've left parties to go out alone because I can only handle so much. But that's too much of me. You have a lovely weekend likewise.
I understand that, and I will try my damndest to, take care
Thank you Friendship, Violet_Writes, Cheeky Missy and Damaso for the Favs.
Superb work.
Thank you, hope you have a wonderful weekend
Nataiella, this hits with truth...and that’s always hard to shake. The way you hold that emotional distance...it’s not cold, it’s protective. The repetition of judgment and questions mirrors the weight of living unseen. You captured that inner other-world beautifully, my dear friend. Hope all has been well in my absence. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
Great to see you back, hope all is well. Thank you for your kind feedback, hope you have a wonderful weekend
The real me is the person that many cannot see but those who know you are those who can always see the real you Tobani.
Andy
My invisible self. How very wonderful to get inside your mind. I was translucent at school by many teachers however I have two or three that truly were there with me. What a wonderful subject, you took me back to being 11, kudos. 🌹
Thank you for your feedback, Hope you have a wonderful weekend
You too. 🌹
Thank you
As a student I really do resonate with this, how people often care more about the fact you look unhappy rather than thinking about why (it's often them hahaha, so I'm glad they don't ask). It makes me feel even better looking at the long list of comments who reciprocate the feelings.
Great Write and Thank you
Thank you for your kind feedback, enjoy the rest of your weekend
That English teacher sounds like a real jerk.
They say you always remember the good Teachers . That's half true as you remember the bad . My English Teacher was very helpful and didn't Hit you like the rest. She was also a Babe, but that's beside the Point.
People always say that I'm very quiet. I usually say ' I'm not Quiet l'm just between sentences'.
Anyway enough of my Ramblings: A fine Poem.
Thank you, very much appreciated
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