Inspired by a special poem

What do you see?

The inspiration for this week’s column goes to Michael Price who has recently moved back to his home town of Dawlish.

Earlier this week, Michael and I met up for a chat.

We spoke about many things, but particularly about some of the common elements that unite all human beings, no matter where they are from.

We spoke about a person’s natural need to feel connected to others and how lonely it can feel when that feeling of connection isn’t evident.

We also talked about how all of us crave purpose in life and how desperate it can feel when life feels devoid of it.

Without a sense of purpose, life can easily feel like existing rather than living.

We spent some time thinking about a person’s natural wish to feel needed by and relevant to others.

We agreed that being connected to others, having a purpose and feeling needed and useful in some way are all important components in a fulfilled life. Take even one of them away and it can have a huge effect on a person’s sense of self-confidence and general wellbeing.

Another topic of discussion was how easy it is to judge those we don’t know. It can be tempting to make assumptions about  who a person is or what they must be thinking and feeling without really knowing anything about who they are.

Michael shared a poem he had written on that very subject and gave me permission to share it in my column this week. It is entitled What Do You See?

I wanted to include it because I found the words to be both profound and thought-provoking.

A reminder that we never know quite what is going on for another person or how they might be feeling inside. As someone who frequently works with people who feel lonely and undervalued and also as the mother of a child who continues to endure constant bullying at school, Michael’s words felt particularly current.

It struck me, that if we all had a little more compassion for each other and a little less judgement, any people would find the world a much kinder place than they do at present.

will leave you with Michael’s poem – thank you Michael for sharing your thoughts and giving us all something to think about.

What do you see?

What do you see when you are looking at me?

A quiet, average man trying to hide from my anxiety

Courageous nerves that once ran through my body

Now shudder at the thought of any uncertainty.

Legs that used to carry me for miles across the moors

Now tremble at the thought of ever going outdoors.

Waking up in the morning afraid of what the day will bring

Praying to the ones high above

Hoping to find a soulmate

Reassurance and love

Oh yes I can still smile but what do you see now?