Living Life Poetically: You Don't Know Me

We all find ourselves misunderstood or misjudged by others at some point in our lives. “You Don’t Know Me” is about that.

The inspiration for this poem was a video I ran into on the internet. This video contains very negative generalizations about people of a certain race and gender. The worst part about the video was the comments supporting it and adding additional insults.

I couldn’t help but think, ‘there are people out there who actually believe this. Not just kind of, but emphatically.’ Rather than seeing others as complex unique individuals, they generalize; meanwhile dismissing all evidence contrary to their beliefs.

“You Don’t Know Me” is meant to be from the point of view of anyone who’s on the receiving end of negative generalizations.

You have to know that negative generalizations are not the opinion of everyone. It’s also good to remember that as long as you know your truth and God knows who you are, misguided opinions are just misguided opinions. They can never define you.

You Don’t Know Me

Photo Credit: Original image by Canva. Edited by E. Ballay

You see me and make an assumption.
I wish I could say your thoughts are entirely positive,
But your looks and actions make me question
Whether your thoughts are a sea of misconception.

It’s so exhausting trying to prove who I’m not
Before you can begin to see who I am.
For you to see that, I have sought.
A ceaseless effort, like chasing wind that can never be caught.

Just try to see me for who I am, if you could.
Don’t judge quickly and harshly.
It’s the right thing to do, please if you would.
Because no one wants to be misunderstood.

If you can’t see past your misconceptions, whatever.
The fact is, I know who I am and so does He.
In the end, that is what counts today and forever.
That I know and should always remember.

Sad, you’ve closed so many doors with a lost key.
So many friendships and life lessons you could have had.
But at the end of the day, I should just be me.
One of many people you may never truly see.

By E. Ballay

Written 5/26/19

You Don’t Know Me

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