Poetry: They Don’t Know Me

 

A Poem submitted by one of our readers.


I have Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. I wrote this after a friend who I had not talked to in a year or so said to me on the phone, “you don’t sound sick”. -Stacey Yount
They don’t know me
These people who say
They are my friends
They don’t know me
How alone I have been
Sitting here, lying here
Day after day
They quip:
Get up
You don’t sound sick
You don’t look sick
Get up
They say:
Listen to me and my life
Hear my stories
They will inspire you
Cheer you up
They don’t know me
I don’t want deep understanding
Just a little support
Not doubt
They don’t know me
Sitting here , lying here
Day after day
Wondering ,Waiting ,Wanting
Soon I’ll too say
And they will hear
Listen to WELL me and my life
Perhaps they are acquaintances
not friends
2008, butyoudontlooksick.com

  • Melissa

    I too have POTS but I also have Lupus. I am sooooooo tired of trying to care what others think of me anymore and I just roll my eyes and walk off when it comes to ignorance and naive people. Keep up the good writing!

  • paige

    This hit home… my word… thank you for sharing this!

  • Lizzy

    Stacey,
    I am new to this site, and can’t begin to tell you how much it means to me to know someone else out there has what I have and they really ‘get’ it! Wonderful, wonderful poem! You have a real gift.

  • pyarkaaloo

    awwww stacey that is BEAUTiFUL!!!! awww don’t u worry, i am always more than an acquaintance and truly a friend! (but u kno that) ;p u are so courageous 4 sharing this with everyone, thankyou!! i love you dearly and don’t worry i understand…ignore what heartless people say, for they are not compassionate~ they are deprived of the ability to know and love wonderful people~ but i kno a wonderful person when i see one 😉 love always, jenny =)

  • Stacey

    Thank you all so much!!

  • Amy Hyatte

    Awesome job!! people just don’t get it eventhough they think they do <333

  • Bahar Kassam

    That was really amazing stace!! and like sara said, really touching! great job!

  • Christy Dixon

    I run an autoimmune support group online. I had to share this with all of them because this hits home no matter which side you’re on … and some of us are on BOTH sides! Think about it!
    Beautiful, thought-provoking poem. Thank you!

  • Maria

    Stacey, that was absolutely amazing! You’re such a pro! Wonderful job sis!!

  • Sara

    This is beautiful Stace, really touching. <3

  • Patrice Howe

    THAT WAS EXCELLENT!!!!!

  • Aditi

    Very very very well written Stacey!!! Love it 🙂