I Saw 'Me' In Their Eyes Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

When at first I was introduced to it...
I must admit,
I felt bare and naked.

I thought all I had to do was deny its entry.
And I would feel protected.
With a choice to reject,
Its presence and affects.

But truth was not what I expected at all.
It was overwhelming.
Something I thought I could ignore.

Even lies I had stored inside me...
Had no defense against its intentions.
I was selected to contend with it.
When my emotions were crushed.
With wishes I did not exist.

And when I realize,
How meaningless and useless were all lies...
I began to see those falsities in others.
And I could no longer empathize,
With those who were living...
Empty and shallow lives.

I saw 'me' in their eyes!
A 'me' I once thought no one could see!
A 'me' I once hid inside and denied.
And knowing this hasn't freed me as much...
Since now I feel compelled to touch,
The truth inside others.
To show I can identified...
Why they must untie themselves,
From denying what they try to hide!