Do you see the new me? A spontaneous poem inspired by Dr Gabor Mate

I defend

My breath goes somewhere out of reach

I speak

My justification of actions are lost on the beach

I hope

Scanning amongst the pebbles beneath my feet

I feel

A sense of despair and fear seem to meet

I'm quiet

As I watch it all play out before me

I'm drifting

Away from reality that we are here again I plea

Not again

Not now, not when things are lighter

Please no

Please see that they are brighter

I've changed

Please see me for the person I am here before you today

I really have

Why don't you see the new me, I try to convey

I see you

The bright beacons you are

I hear you

Respect every word you say, but you set the bar

I don't know

Where that bar is

How far?

How high? How big? How small? If it's even there I quiz?

But why?

Says my inner child

Am I

Meek or mild?

I retreat

I pull away yonder

I'm silent

I stare with my eyes deep in wonder

I'm lost

Yet feel so free

Why?

Can't you see

Me