listening to your monologue
about me as I apply to you,
your definition
of our relationship
floods me with adrenalin, not love
fingers folding to fists
at my side, as I learn
my motivation
is really about you
how I try to make you feel
a supporting character
in your drama, not fully there
just sketched in at the edges
more suggested than formed
of anything substantial
for when you need validation
or vindication
and sometimes sex
the love interest
in your poorly-written play
at living
please, tell me again
how my life is not about me
because that is news
to my breathing
Susan Daniels Poetry 
“please, tell me again
how my life is not about me
because that is news
to my breathing”
Just fabulous. I absolutely love those last lines.
Thank you, Francesca!
I feel depressed reading this, Susan. To be held in such low esteem by one’s love can be such a morale-killer, and especially the seond stanza is poignantly expressed. A very good poem and sad too.
Thanks, Celestine–your comment above illustrates why this is now a former love…
Unfortunately, I can relate. Thanks for expressing it.
You are most welcome, Georgia. Sorry you can relate.
You call it a monologue and so it must be indeed. People have different coping strategies and hitting out verbally, projecting blame, recreating the past and re-writing it….all are part of such strategies. Good poem but sad!
Thanks, Noel. I found it kind of empowering there, at the end 🙂
But, yes, sad, too.
The last lines I love…it shows power in the most subtle yet effective way over the supposed main character…if I make any sense. Love it
You sure do–and thank you!
That’s very, very sharp…
thanks, Seb.
i can relate but i can’t relate because it’s been about 22 years…hahaha. nicely done susan:)
🙂 thanks, Don!
I think in this fine, succinct poem you summed up the entire plot of THE HOLIDAY – though it’s fun and touching. This is the quote that I think you took to a new high with your final lines:
Arthur Abbott: I’m wondering why a beautiful girl like you would go to a strangers’ house for their Christmas Vacation, and on top of that spend Saturday night with an old cock-up like me.
Iris: Well, I just wanted to get away from all the people I see all the time!… Well, not all the people… one person. I wanted to get away from one… guy.
[she sobs]
Iris: An ex-boyfriend who just got engaged and forgot to tell me.
Arthur Abbott: So, he’s a schmuck.
Iris: As a matter of fact, he is… a huge schmuck. How did you know?
Arthur Abbott: He let you go. This is not a hard one to figure out. Iris, in the movies we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason you are behaving like the best friend.
Iris: You’re so right. You’re supposed to be the leading lady of your own life, for god’s sake! Arthur, I’ve been going to a therapist for three years, and she’s never explained anything to me that well. That was brilliant. Brutal, but brilliant.
Gay–thanks for sharing that–it is so true! Thanks so much for liking my lines too 🙂
Ouch, in memory. Good work, as always.
thanks, Nelle.
alot of emotion passionately written here.. really enjoyed this. (hate the drive behind it but love the writing)
Love the ending.. strong woman
Thanks, Audra. Funny–I do not think of myself as strong–just as more enacting strength when necessary, if that makes any sense 🙂
I understand this role and you express it in perfect adjectives too!
Thanks, Deb.:)
Yep, that ending is awesome.
Thanks–glad you liked it!
nice theme liking it lots
Thanks, Ian!
Aw, those last lines! Great! 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Wow..and Brava kiddo! Absofuckinglutely the right question and I’m heartened to know you already have the answer. Yay You!
Thanks, hon 🙂
Yes, it was news to me I only existed for another 🙂
Harumph as our Aussie neighbors say!
Yes–I would use another expletive, but I am trying to civilize myself at a late age, LOL!
NEVER late…just catching up if you ask me!
🙂