Inconvenient Existence

A poem from the core of my pain.

Photo by Camila Quintero Franco on Unsplash

What they see as negativity 

is my overwhelming sensitivity 

to moments filled with pain and discomfort, 

because in this world people like me don’t come first.  

We aren’t thought of as human, 

just othered and looked at with confusion. 

They’ll never understand, 

what it means to be different, 

they view us as belligerent, 

a nuisance to their system.  

A disruption to their perfection, 

a mutation in their perception.  

They’ll never understand how we just crave connection, 

but instead, are all too familiar with the sour taste of rejection. 

But I understand, that it’s hard for them to withstand, 

listening to something they’ll never have to experience.  

Our suffering will remain mysterious, 

to those that see us as merely an inconvenience.  

And I’m happy for them, I am, truly, 

because it’s a burden being treated so cruelly, 

not only by the obvious offenders  

but also, by the ones that you’re forced to depend on.  

But why am I the only one that must be understanding? 

When it’s me who struggles standing.  

Their sympathy never quite landing, not the way they imagined, 

when they tilt their head all demanding, 

that I politely accept their attempt at dancing  

around my pain, again and again.  

I don’t want the pity or sad smiles, 

unintentional boredom in their eyes, 

as if it’s a chore to listen to the torment I wear like a tattoo. 

I’m sorry, if my existence inconveniences you. 

I guess I’ll just keep masking my declivity,  

watching as you stand in your superiority. 

Fine, I’ll perform your toxic positivity.  

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I submitted this poem for a literary festival earlier this year and although I didn’t get shortlisted I’m still really proud of the piece so I wanted to share with you.

Thank you for reading and as always please feel free to share Georgia Writes to help me build this community.

Until next time…

Georgia xx

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