Definition of Me

By MP

When you look at me, what do you see?
Beware of assessments considering only my periphery
Chameleon-like I transform for the world to visualize

 That unlimited potential is my nature
Not just a mere disguise
So when you look at me see past my superficial form
Then maybe, just maybe, you’ll see that I’m a cut above the norm!!!

3 Comments

  1. Brian on August 11, 2015 at 1:32 PM

    Dear MP,

    My name is Brian, and I am an English teacher living in Washington, D.C. Thanks so much for sharing your poem. I’m interested in this phrase “Chameleon-like.” You hear a lot of people say something like, “I am who I am – you got a problem with that?” Or you hear people talk about how you need to find the “real you” on the inside. But your poem speaks to a different idea – that we are a number of different people all at once. That we can play a number of different roles in life. That identity consists of several “identities.” I feel like this kind of adaptability is useful, no? Does your “unlimited potential” lie in your ability to adapt? How do we need to be adaptable in life?

    Maybe there is another way to look at it. You mention in your second stanza that our “superficial forms” are exactly that – superficial. If we can look past the external things that seem to define us – our looks, skin color, etc. – people will see a more “true” side of ourselves. How can we help each other see through these “disguises,” to see the light that’s on the inside? Your poem helps us to understand that idea. Thanks for sharing, and keep writing!

  2. CP on August 11, 2015 at 8:04 PM

    MP-

    I really love the message of this poem. It reminds me (and others) not be too quick to judge people. We all perceive others by their immediate appearance and sometimes we fail to recognize or remember that every person is a human being, is different, is not all that he or she may at first appear to be. Every person has more going on, in terms of their underlying thoughts, complexities, fears, and insecurities inside- and this poem reminds me of that. But more importantly, it reminds me that everyone has a story, and that everyone deserves to be asked what their story is.

    I hope you’ll keep telling yours,
    CP

  3. Rachael Sandri on February 22, 2016 at 10:37 PM

    MP,

    Lao Tzu, a renowned philosopher, once wrote,

    “I have just three things to teach:
    Simplicity, patience, compassion.
    These three are your greatest treasures.”

    I see each of those treasures in your poem. Your message is simple in its concision, and clarity. You are patient with those who judge you. It is beautiful that you criticize superficial assessments rather than labeling people superficial. It is evident in your confident final line that you have compassion for yourself, which enables you to have compassion for others.

    Thank you for sharing your poem. Please keep writing. I want to read more!

    Your fan,

    Rachael

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

The poets featured here are currently incarcerated, and many of them are in federal prisons far from home. Your feedback is a valuable source of motivation and connection to the outside community. Post your comments, feedback, and encouragement in the space below the poem. Messages will be passed on directly to the author. Comments may not appear immediately on the site, as our team processes them to mail to the poets.