So much torment, doubt, unwillingness to accept
More than I can imagine, withstand sometimes
If only the world were different
If only certain things didn’t matter
Like how I get lost in myself
How confusion descends upon me
Like a thick heavy fog hovering all about
Help me, please
So I can help you, or others, in return
Understand me, please
Cut me some slack
As you do for others, yourself
Try to understand that I’m different
No two snowflakes are the same
Hold me, please, when I’m terribly afraid
I will hold you, should the darkest night fill your days
Look into my eyes, clouded with tears, even this sunny noonday
I will look back into yours without judging what I see
See me just as I am, incomplete, without hope sometimes
When needed, remind me there is something larger—
Something always worth living for
I am who I am
Though this I never intended, but I am
As a young boy, overflowing with curiosity, laughter, happiness
This was the last thing I would have considered
This was the last thing I’d hope to become
Please try best as you can
See me, love me for who I am
Note: This is an empathy poem written in recognition of those who suffer from mental illness in its many forms.
Poetic Alchemist 
Thuridge: My photo friend from Iceland. Thanks so much. Glad you were touched by this poem.
Dear friend, your poet, See Me, Love Me, for Who I Am, is so beautiful, it touch my, and it is so true.
Bunnyblu: Thanks so much for your comment and I would agree with what you say here. Thank you for sharing.
“beauty is not always what they see
unspoken love unsung poetry
suspended silent screams torment
deep within a river of aching unrequited recompense”
thank u for addressing this delicate issue… not just of mental frailty but also those who suffer from autism/asperger’s – we CAN love deeply too just not the way most pple think we do not or do…
btw ur poems n photographs r beautiful… !!!
Aurora: Thanks so much. I inherited my Dad’s gift of and love for poetry. For that, I am truly grateful. I loved him (still do in spirit) and miss him, as we all do with those we love. Dad was very grateful for your review of his book. It meant a lot to him. I am as well. Thank you so much. Among Dad’s things were some poetic awards: a trophy and medal, which I now have as reminders of his work.
Borut: Thank you for the very kind words. They are very much appreciated.
Didn’t know about your father, Don? My condolences.
Dear Don,
I’ve only now seen the announcement about your father’s death. Please accept my condolences and my sincerest sympathies.
This poem is all the more potent in its vulnerability for reading it after I’ve read the announcement.
Best wishes.
Thanks Dan. It’s in the air, Buddy!
Borut: Thanks. Yes I agree. We must first glimpse our self before we can accept what we see, and also accept that much is unseeable, and that too we must accept.
Great poem! It’s as if today we’re talking the same inner language!?:) That’s how I am!:) … My stupid old self, however, would always have the last say: ‘I am who I am, and I don’t know it’ !?:(
Beautiful! As are the photos.
Just heard a song somewhere yesterday that had the same words, more or less, as the title of this poem, in it. Would that we would heed those words.
Thanks, Don!