"Between Saying and Being Heard"
I start with thoughts as they rise,
lacking polish,
unencumbered by softening,
before the world even asks them to dress
for company.
Some days I want to speak it straight
—just the shape it arrived in,
the first spark of a thing
still warm from its source,
not yet glancing sideways
to see who’s listening.
But then there’s the other pull:
the sense that a word won’t travel far
unless it’s steadied,
angled,
given a surface someone else
can place their hand on
—a bridge that could be crossed
from both directions,
and still hold its form
on the way across.
Not decoration,
just enough structure
to keep it from faltering
as it moves.
And I stand between these two urges,
holding the sentence like a fragile tool,
wondering whether to keep it close
or send it outward.
Because to speak only for myself
is a kind of shelter,
and to speak so another can meet me
is a kind of risk.
So, I do what I’ve always done:
shape the truth just enough
that it can leave the room
without losing its centre,
but not so much
that it forgets where it came from.
.
-
Author:
crypticbard (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: June 29th, 2026 05:40
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 12
- Users favorite of this poem: Tristan Robert Lange, Kevin Hulme
Offline)
Comments7
good write friend, I seem to lack that discipline I just let words fall on paper, much enjoyed read
To me just letting the words fall onto a page is a dream and a delight! 🙏🕊️
ditto, good write my friend
A poem of a delicate process. I do far better with this in written form where I have time to think of what I'm saying and even rewrite if necessary. When speaking I do not pause and am considered rude or crass and suffer the wounds of my own words sharp edge. Nicely written Cryptic
Ah, most agreed. To be able to operate in varying modes is something to be aspired to. But to have a back-up, as you mentioned, is so good. Cover all bases. 🙏🕊️
Well said Cryptic
Rik, this speaks to me. I've wrestled with that balance myself...wanting to remain true to the original thought while also hoping it reaches someone else's heart. Thank you for putting words to that experience, my friend. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
The more I realise it is a shared experience the more I am able to work through it. Thank you, Tittu. 🙏🕊️
Nicely written, your poem seeks to explore the importance of finding a balance between vulnerability and the need for connection, highlighting the risks and rewards inherent in sharing one's true self with others.
Thank you Friendship 🕊️🙏
Sometimes It can be difficult getting the Right Balance. If I could go through life with cool and Wonderful lines like Bogart in 'Casablanca' : It would great. Usually it's 'Why did I say that'?
Enjoyed this .
Ah, Bogart and his lines! So glad that you mention the way a sentence can walk into a room already carrying its own ease.
This piece wasn’t aiming for coolness so much as watching how a line arrives and decides where to settle, but I like the angle you brought to it.
Glad it landed for you and shared how it could be given that Humphrey affect. Thank you dear Kevin🙏🕊️
My Pleasure. He's looking at you Kid.
This describes the real dynamic embodied in any communication, be it written or verbal, Rik.
The message, as it leaves my end feels right, spot on. However the response from the recipient(s) tells me that it was severely damaged in transit.
Do I need to pack it more tightly or perhaps offer a replacement?
This troubles me muchly so I’m glad it is pinned here for further inspection.
Oh yes, please. I do feel that getting across the pond was merely half the journey and that your packaging might get the receiving end a much-needed boost. Pin away or pine away! 👍🏻🙏🕊️
Both sides of the written words are within us all who write Rik.
Andy
Yes, that's the exact point of this. Thanks Andy🙏🕊️
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