The Illusion of Transparency
The Illusion of Transparency
Do you believe
That others can see
Your state of mind
As if magically divined
Your conscious thoughts
Haves and nots
Fears and doubts
Means and routes
Thoughts defined
Some intertwined
States of affair
When’s and where
They remain within
And without chagrin
Unless up, you open
Let someone in
Feelings aren’t revealed
They remain concealed
All your own
They remain unknown
It’s an overestimation
Concerning your situation
The illusion of transparency
One of life’s big ironies
Your mental well-being
No one is seeing
How much you’ve cried
Your secret pride
Sleepless nights
Ebbs and spikes
Depression edge
On the dangerous ledge
Things avoided
Paranoia
Panic attacks
Complete collapse
Mania or altered mood
Moments when you were confused
Don’t delay
Don’t be afraid
No one can see your mental state
Can’t tell how you operate
If your thoughts are in disarray
Take control and don’t delay
Tell a friend or make a call
It’s your life we’re talking, after all
Author’s Note
The featured image for this work was a fast (literally 7 seconds) digital drawing by my son, Sebastian Schwartz. I told him the details of the poem and had him draw a picture as fast as he could to depict mental illness.
The Mental Health Hotline provides the ear of a compassionate professional who knows how to deal with a mental health crisis. Sometimes, a brief conversation is all it takes to put things in perspective and move forward. If you are suffering in silence, please call this number confidentially – 866-903-3787 or visit them online – Mental Health Hotline
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Very powerful and motivational work, Ralph. It kind of hit home with me due to issues I have struggled with over the last two years. I do believe I need some counseling and help with those issues rather than continually pushing them aside and hoping to heal by ignoring them. Thank you for writing this piece.
Thanks – Help is just a phone call away.
Thanks. I will call you when I get my new phone.
Well done. Important message. Jamie
Great piece! You bring to light, clearly and succinctly, the fact that people don’t see what others are feeling, though it seems unbelievable to some that this isn’t so. Understanding and empathy are what’s needed; the ability to realise that, however someone behaves, we don’t know their thoughts, their background, their difficulties and we should keep an open mind, not jump to conclusions or suppositions.
You have a great way with words, Ralph, and no doubt this piece will make an important difference to some who need help. This could save someone’s life.
Ann
Great piece! You bring to light, clearly and succinctly, the fact that people don’t see what others are feeling, though it seems unbelievable to some that this isn’t so. Understanding and empathy are what’s needed; the ability to realise that, however someone behaves, we don’t know their thoughts, their background, their difficulties and we should keep an open mind, not jump to conclusions or suppositions.
You have a great way with words, Ralph, and no doubt this piece will make an important difference to some who need help. This could save someone’s life.
Great illustration too!
Ann
Ralph, this is a well-written and important piece. The recent deaths by a couple of prominent figures (by their own hands) in this country in recent weeks just highlights the need to let people know your inner-turmoil, and for them to really open their ears to what is being said. I love the artwork by your son. It fit’s the poem perfectly.