Compartmentalized

 

 .A poem that explores the contrast between a person’s outward beauty and their hidden inner self. 

It reflects how someone can appear radiant, composed, or even perfect to the outside world, yet still carry private struggles, secrets, fears, or emotional depth that they keep locked away.

Despite this concealment, the speaker says they can see the whole person, including the parts that are meant to stay hidden.

So here's a meditation on how someone can present themselves beautifully to the world, yet hide deeper truths in a private, almost secret place.

That only a true friend knows.

Have you got a true friend who knows the real you?

Title.

Compartmentalized.

(A lone voice whispers)

As delicious-looking as you are to the whole watching world.

As glorious as a red rose in full bloom, I can still see all of you.

The real you.

Even your shadowy self, you carefully hide away within that darkened bedroom. .

Keeping it under strict lock and key and buried like Alexander the Great in the deep seas.

Of your eternal soul's tomb.

(C)

Copyright John Duffy

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