Showing posts with label Introversion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Introversion. Show all posts

Friday, February 28, 2014

clouded leopard





at the zoo
for me
there is only
the clouded leopard
pacing
its fishbowl cage.

her sad eyes,
her muscles, taut—
excruciating
to be on display.

now, this isn’t popular
or proper.
come on, baby.
let us see you,
exploit you,
measure you.
we’ll feed you, promise.
you don’t want to be gregarious?
on facebook?
you must have your head
and spots examined.

there’s a reason
she climbs,
the best at it of her kind—
she’s designed to be
reclusive.

by day
she wants to rest
among the trees
and hunt at night,
elusive.

hidden
she keeps her pelt and cubs
and her sanity.

break the glass
and let her out, let her out—
she’s me.



© 2014 Jennifer Wagner



Linking with other poets at Poets United:  The Poetry Pantry this weekend.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Prattle



Her meditative muse
drifted
in the prattle of hens,
struggled 
to make conversations
of import 
about the topics
they found consuming.

She tried to play
but the game
regarded her with suspicious eyes,
distrusted her
for the disinterest.



Copyright © 2013 Jennifer Wagner


I try, I try, I try!  I am getting better at small talk…though at times it is challenging to do so.  I am learning to lighten up a bit, the fate of the world not actually being in my hands and all…  I am also learning that I am not the only one to have this problem!  Apparently many introverts find gab for gab’s sake difficult as well.  Chatter saturation drains me, and although I want to connect with people, I’ll find myself checking out. *‘Introverts react more strongly to stimulus and therefore need much less of it or they rapidly become overstimulated.’  We like to savor the juicy bits; extroverts like to consume large quantities, so to speak.  If you think this might be you or someone you love I recommend Susan Cain’s book:  Quiet: The Power Of Introverts In A World That Can’t Stop Talking, a really great book that helps in the understanding of some of the differences among us.

*quote from www.psychologies.co.uk/self/revenge-of-the-introverts.html  Additional good info there as well. 

www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/introversion  Fun quotes for those interested.

For the prompt by the very talented Kim Nelson at Poets United:  Voices. 

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Introversion Is Not a Disease, Disorder, or Handicap


There are things we do because of the way we are, not in spite of them.

Near the end of 2006 I suffered my second miscarriage.  I’d had caring family and friends come by; offering condolences, wrapping me in big hugs, offering words of sympathy and encouragement, and bringing flowers and goodies.  All well-meaning, and all appreciated. 

In the evening as I was sitting alone on my bed quietly grieving, my then 6 year old son, Clint, came into the room.  He climbed gently onto the bed and took my hand.  He had an aura of peace and concern; and as he sat silently holding my hand, tears trickled down my cheeks.  We sat there together for several long minutes, holding hands, in the quiet.  He was not uncomfortable with the silence or my falling tears.  He didn’t even ask any questions.  He simply understood.  He knew that sometimes there are no words; and that's ok, there needn't be any.  His intuitive, introverted temperament allowed him to just be with me in that moment and it healed me more than any spoken word.  After a few minutes more I whispered “thank you,” he nodded purposefully, climbed off the bed and left the room.  I smiled and shook my head.

It was pure genius.