What Ren Sees in Me

she sees someone who
laughs much
at life,
at the world,
at pain—a way
to cope with what must never be
yet is.

she sees someone who
is kind
in the memory of cruelty—
who remembers how it feels
to be shunned
who bears the weight
of words spoken
without thought,
and strives to never speak such again.
who fails too often.

she sees someone who
loves
family and friends
giving up time and chocolate
in their service—
who is afraid of finding
new people to love
because of past hurts,
who knows that
a life’s companion may
be only a fantasy
anymore,
and who lives with that regret
without changing.

she sees someone who
wears out
trying to do everything—
who spends long years
failing.

she sees someone who
tries hard
to make the image
fit—
to become
the person Ren sees.

line count: 42

Prompt ▼

Prompt for: Sept 9, 2015 (Ren)
Subject or Theme: Eye See You ~ I have what, I long ago dubbed a "reflective heart," being completely unaware that words for such things exist in history and in science fiction, that is, when others are seen by me or interact with me, I tend to quite plainly reflect qualities back to them which they may not like in themselves or even be aware exist within themselves. This tends to, at times, create tension or even chaos, which is why I am most often described as "intense." Think about qualities you project to others but may not be who you really are, however you know are there. I often see through the masks you put forth to the world and I would pick up on them if I spent any amount of time getting to know you. This is what I want you to write about. So, here is my eye
** Image ID #2052564 Unavailable **
What does it see in you? Remember, I often see what others will not or what you yourself will not choose to see, like it or not.

Word(s) to Include: Title your poem: "What Ren Sees in Me" (or any derivatives of these words)
Forbidden Word(s): you, your, our, me (except in the title), my, I, we (or any derivatives of these words)
Additional Parameters: Minimum of 20 lines of free verse or a form of your choice that is at least the same length.
Remember, do not use forbidden words ANYWHERE, including title or the brief description.