Naomi

THE CRACK IN THE SHELL

by Naomi

Thursday 6th February 2025 3:05 pm

A fragile dance on eggshell ground

I tread so light, without a sound.

Your moods, a storm I must appease

My own heart silenced, put at ease.

Each whispered word, a careful art

To shield your easily-bruised heart.

I build a wall to hold me in

Lest my true feelings cause a din.

But gentle steps and muted sighs

Don't quench the ache behind my eyes.

My own emotions, left unfelt

A heavy burden, slowly dealt.

For in this act of constant care

My own soul withers in despair.

Tiptoeing 'round, I lose my way

And find my own heart starts to fray.

🌷(9)

poetry

◄ BORN OF DUST AND SUN

A LINDEN'S EMBRACE ►

Comments

Naomi

Sun 9th Feb 2025 10:26

Hey Rolph,

I can’t tell you how much it means to me to hear your thoughts on the poem. You really captured the essence of what I was trying to express—the struggle of caring for someone else while hiding your own feelings. It’s not always easy to put those emotions into words, so knowing it resonated with you like this is really special.

I truly appreciate you taking the time to reflect so deeply on it.

Take care,
Naomi

Rolph David

Sat 8th Feb 2025 15:59

Dear Flyntland,

Your comment about Naomi's poem really struck a chord with me, especially in light of how much women were once made responsible for, both within their homes and in society. Beyond what you mentioned, women were often blamed for a whole host of societal issues—like the reputation of their families, the moral conduct of their communities, and even economic stability. If a child went astray or a family faced hardship, the woman’s role was always scrutinised. It’s heartbreaking to think about how women were held accountable for things beyond their control, like a husband's infidelity or the actions of others in the family. And even worse, when women themselves were victims of sexual violence, they were often blamed.

Thankfully, these times have hopefully become a little better, and there has been some progress in how we view women’s roles. Though not perfect, the shift in attitudes over time brings hope that we’re moving towards a more equal and just society. Naomi’s poem is a reflection of that struggle, and your reflection on it adds another important layer to the conversation.
Take care,
regards,
Rolph

Rolph David

Sat 8th Feb 2025 15:54

Dear Naomi,

You’ve captured so powerfully the struggle of caring for someone else while silencing your own emotions to protect them. The way you describe walking on eggshells and building walls to shield your true feelings is so vivid—it made me feel the emotional weight of that experience. The tenderness and burden of constantly tending to someone else’s moods, only to feel your own heart wither in silence, is devastating. I can feel the ache behind the words, and your poem paints a picture of the exhaustion that comes with losing yourself in someone else’s needs.
Great job!
Take care,
Rolph

Naomi

Fri 7th Feb 2025 06:43

Thank you for your kind words Flyntland. It means a lot to me that the poem spoke to you.
You're right. It's funny how those old ideas about women still stick around.
Even if nobody says them out loud anymore.
I appreciate you bringing that up.

Naomi

Fri 7th Feb 2025 06:39

Wow, Thank you Marla☺️

Flyntland

Thu 6th Feb 2025 21:44

This poem is so well written and it will touch a raw nerve in many who read it,

My faith school told us that "Women were born to suffer" It was also common knowledge that if a man was unfaithful to his wife it was her fault for not being interesting enough.
But that was a long time ago and attitudes have changed, (I hope)

Marla Joy

Thu 6th Feb 2025 21:28

Naomi,
I wish that I could hit the like button ten times, plus more.
Marla

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