' Live-Poets Society ' – A Corner For Poetry

[MacGreg]

I think I understood hers, because I wore my own... always afraid to let it slip....

Sometimes, the mask becomes a part of your flesh, and you forget that you're even wearing it until someone comes along and rips it off. 

[Headstall]

Sometimes, the mask becomes a part of your flesh, and you forget that you're even wearing it until someone comes along and rips it off. 

I never forgot I was wearing mine... too many people were watching....

[Former Member]

They probably do, but they gotta keep the act up, otherwise there goes the popularity

Ahh, I don`t think so. I experienced otherwise. I lived for quite a time a very unusual lifestyle. And I experienced that people are very interested and open about this, if I just talked about it like it was as normal to me, as it was.

The other argument I have in store is, that you get much deeper connections with other people and that are friendships that count and make out popularity.

Being authentic, gives others comfort. But it often needs time to figure out, what is real me. All three points, my opinion, not necessarily right.

[Former Member]

I think I understood hers, because I wore my own... always afraid to let it slip....

You found the connection between your islands.

[Former Member]

Personal experience talks more I guess

I just said what I saw around me, everywhere. The "cool kids" were probably more closeted than I was.. lol

They had some sort of urge to keep a flat face even if they were hurt to the bottom of their souls.

And look what of an advantage you have got, to looking through this. Maybe it does not feel like this in the moment, but you have got an ability, which will be useful one day.  Hug you.

[Headstall]

Ahh, I don`t think so. I experienced otherwise. I lived for quite a time a very unusual lifestyle. And I experienced that people are very interested and open about this, if I just talked about it like it was as normal to me, as it was.

The other argument I have in store is, that you get much deeper connections with other people and that are friendships that count and make out popularity.

Being authentic, gives others comfort. But it often needs time to figure out, what is real me. All three points, my opinion, not necessarily right.

I agree this is right for some. I was never worried about losing my popularity... I detested it... I was worried about being ostracized... to be popular, and to try to ignore being gay... to bury it... was excruciating, but necessary for my safety.... my piece of mind was precarious in those days... dangerously so. Popularity means you can't get lost in anonymity... and that was something I craved. Being a center of attention was the last thing I wanted or needed. It was 1967 when I began to realize what was facing me....

[Former Member]

Yeah maybe one day. *Hugz!!!!*

I am quite sure! And if I have to come to Hungary once again - maybe to visit a rock concert with you - to proof connection gets stronger if some lets the mask down.

 

If you don`t mind going there with an old lady. 

Edited February 11, 2017 by Lyssa

[William King]

I picked up the mask for school, and did my best to keep it in place. It protected me so that I would only peek out from behind on rare occasions, not wanting to get hurt.

 

When I grew older, I took that mask with me to work. I tried to put it aside, but was rarely allowed to do so. Even though I discarded it at home, in my free time, it left a mark.

 

I no longer have such a heavy mask to wear, but still I am not completely free of it. It rests on the mantelpiece, staring back at me, as if waiting for it's time to come again, and all the while reminding me.

 

I reflect that I was born free of any mask, and curse the circumstances that caused such a creation. Perhaps it started when I first saw my own reflection? Perhaps it started when I felt the constraints imposed by others?

 

Most probably the latter, because my own reflection was nothing less than beautiful. I was, after all, human.

[Former Member]

I agree this is right for some. I was never worried about losing my popularity... I detested it... I was worried about being ostracized... to be popular, and to try to ignore being gay... to bury it... was excruciating, but necessary for my safety.... my piece of mind was precarious in those days... dangerously so. Popularity means you can't get lost in anonymity... and that was something I craved. Being a center of attention was the last thing I wanted or needed. It was 1967 when I began to realize what was facing me....

I can understand this very well. It has a lot to do, where your starting point is. Mine was in a town where nearly nobody knew me, or met me already living in this constellation, that set the hurdle quite low.

[Headstall]

I'm so pleased that Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem has had an impact on a few people here. He deserves the recognition... many of his poems are written in the black rhythm and dialect of his youth... they are intriguing, and incredibly insightful of the times... in an era when it took sheer guts to advance in a 'white' world....

Edited February 11, 2017 by Headstall

[Former Member]

Correction. To Transylvania ...lol

Fine by me. LOL Heard there are the best monster parties.

[Former Member]

You might even meet Dracula. Lol

cool LOL I just always wanted to know how this vampire-thing works. I have a deal with my foster brother, we made at the age of ten, if one of us finds out and becomes one, we will meet and transform the other one. But not until we are old and gray.  

[Parker Owens]

I'm so pleased that Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem has had an impact on a few people here. He deserves the recognition... many of his poems are written in the black rhythm and dialect of his youth... they are intriguing, and incredibly insightful of the times... in an era when it took sheer guts to advance in a 'white' world....

 That poem is bookmarked on my computer...

[Parker Owens]

You are a great poet AC ...

Hear him!  Hear him!  I quite agree

[Former Member]

I picked up the mask for school, and did my best to keep it in place. It protected me so that I would only peek out from behind on rare occasions, not wanting to get hurt.

 

When I grew older, I took that mask with me to work. I tried to put it aside, but was rarely allowed to do so. Even though I discarded it at home, in my free time, it left a mark.

 

I no longer have such a heavy mask to wear, but still I am not completely free of it. It rests on the mantelpiece, staring back at me, as if waiting for it's time to come again, and all the while reminding me.

 

I reflect that I was born free of any mask, and curse the circumstances that caused such a creation. Perhaps it started when I first saw my own reflection? Perhaps it started when I felt the constraints imposed by others?

 

Most probably the latter, because my own reflection was nothing less than beautiful. I was, after all, human.

I am so happy reading this ending!

When I was a teenager I had a lot of responsibilities which were put on to me and I wanted to make it right for every one. It was kind of a mask too, even that I never had the feeling, I need to hide my sexuality.  But I found out, that you can not do everything right and there will be always people that make your life a hell, if you try. So I had to take my conclusions.

[Parker Owens]

And yet, one may tear away the mask in a fit of brave self-revelation, and not like what is revealed, not at all. Here is a poem I wrote in such a dark mood...

 

Now inward turn the mirrors, let them stare

with pitiless reflections at the sight

of one whose mere existence is a blight,

and let them offer judgement without spare.

 

I offer no defense, for I am bare

before these harshest critics, who delight

in finding weapons they could use to smite

the lone, pathetic figure prostrate there.

 

       I can't escape conviction in my case,

       to sentencing I'm stoically resigned,

       for both the judge and jury wear my face,

       aware of every secret in the mind,

       while those behind the bar chant my disgrace:

       self hatred is a torture most refined. 

[Former Member]

Inner Mathematics

You know 100% of your inner self.
All the others know at most 50%
You know at most 50% about them.
But there is a 100% for them in the inside.
So you feel bad knowing yourself to 100% and seeing their 50%,

they feel bad knowing them self for 100% seeing your 50%.
But all just compared the wrong numbers.

[Headstall]

There wasn't a lot of choice .. it was live or don't. Anyway .. this topic isn't for here ... 

Sorry... didn't mean to hijack LPS... just wanted to post one of my favorite poets for Blank History month... all of this ended up going off topic....

[mollyhousemouse]

Sorry... didn't mean to hijack LPS... just wanted to post one of my favorite poets for Blank History month... all of this ended up going off topic....

This discussion was fascinating! No apology necessary for introducing this poet to us, and sparking the discussion.

Edited February 11, 2017 by mollyhousemouse

[Former Member]

Sorry... didn't mean to hijack LPS... just wanted to post one of my favorite poets for Blank History month... all of this ended up going off topic....

 

 

This discussion was fascinating! No apology necessary for introducing this poet to us, and sparking the discussion.

I have the same feelings like molly. It was an intense and good discussion. No need for an apology from my point of view.

Edited February 11, 2017 by Lyssa

[MacGreg]

Sorry... didn't mean to hijack LPS... just wanted to post one of my favorite poets for Blank History month... all of this ended up going off topic....

If a post arouses a discussion, then it was a success, in my opinion.

[Former Member]

Wow. Okay, time for a new topic

 

I've been typing up my old poems and realize the following poem had a great attraction to me. I might almost think of this verse as launching my 'Romantic' period. The poem itself is very famous, but does anyone else feel drawn to it? (I feel less taken with it now than when I was in the closet…)  

 

The poet is well known to have been Gay, and wrote some of his most beautiful verse about a collage partner of his, although he seemed to form platonic attachments to women that followed the Romantic conventions of the time (thus, most straight-biased critics call him straight, or at least Bi).

 

Your thoughts and opinions…?          

 

 

 

She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that’s best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes;

Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

 

One shade the more, one ray the less,

Had half impaired the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress,

Or softly lightens o’er her face;

Where thoughts serenely sweet express,

How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

 

And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,

But tell of days in goodness spent,

A mind at peace with all below,

A heart whose love is innocent!

George Gordon (Lord Byron)

[Former Member]

 

And yet, one may tear away the mask in a fit of brave self-revelation, and not like what is revealed, not at all. Here is a poem I wrote in such a dark mood...

 

Now inward turn the mirrors, let them stare

with pitiless reflections at the sight

of one whose mere existence is a blight,

and let them offer judgement without spare.

 

I offer no defense, for I am bare

before these harshest critics, who delight

in finding weapons they could use to smite

the lone, pathetic figure prostrate there.

 

       I can't escape conviction in my case,

       to sentencing I'm stoically resigned,

       for both the judge and jury wear my face,

       aware of every secret in the mind,

       while those behind the bar chant my disgrace:

       self hatred is a torture most refined. 

 

 

It's a very touching poem, Parker. I'm reminded that someone once said we are our own harshest critics and judges. Others understand us better than we are feel comfortable admitting. 

 

...Don't know if that helps, but just an idea that comes to mind... 

 

On a technical note, I'm really impressed at how natural your a-b-b-a rhymes are. They always seem the most challenging to do in the Italian Sonnet form. 

 

Hugs 

[William King]

There was a very full and interesting discussion going on here - kicked off by a rather good poem. Then what happened?

 

I don't know - I wasn't here.

 

No point reading back, whatever was said got edited out - I presume that's what all the blanks are.

 

Could you not kiss and make up? Arguments and disagreements happen, people - including me - sometimes say things that are taken wrongly, or that we regret later.

 

I thought - I think still, we have a nice group of people here and everyone is valued - nobody should feel they are not appreciated and need to leave - please.

 

William.

[Headstall]

I just went through all this, and I can only conclude it was my apology for going off on a tangent in a forum I consider a more serious, dedicated one that is all about the poetry... that became an issue. I'm very, very sorry. I was referring to my posting personal stuff about my life... I felt I may have gone too far on a different kind of forum, and that I should have stuck to the posted poems. My apology was sincere, but I didn't think anyone held anything against me... I never felt anyone was criticizing me... I was just being polite to show respect for this forum. I meant no harm. I have the utmost respect for my fellow posters, and all their comments. I feel terrible about all of this... I tend to talk too much and reveal too much, and afterwards I think 'why did I do that?'... that was my motive and point. There was no other... I would hope you all would know that if nothing else, I'm genuine.