Insides (voice recording)
This poem was selected to be read at the Cheltenham Festival of Literature.
[For the musical accompaniment to this poem, see "Songs without words" in my Selected Poems]"
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"Things aren't always what they seem, and the same goes for people."
It's a commonly held belief.
a theory by many supposed,
that inside every fat person
there's a thin person enclosed.
And it's often been said before
(though that doesn't make it less truth)
that inside many a middle-aged man
beats the heart of a passionate youth.
A girl with the plainest exterior
may be blessed with a soul of great beauty,
while one who appears just a butterfly
may deep down be a slave to her duty.
But here is another hypothesis
I'd respectfully like to suggest,
(if no-one has any objection)
that might take up its place with the rest.
If I'd courage to match my conviction
I might stand on the table and shout,
but it's this - Inside every introvert
there's an extrovert trying to get out.
Excellence has been read here.
I love this poem. It is so revealing about life and human nature and points to something in all of us one way or another. A gem of true wisdom.
Wonderful Work Paul.
Wonderful Paul. I especially love the reading by yourself, it makes your poetry come alive. I can understand why this was chosen to be read at the Cheltenham Festival of Literature and I am sure hit got a standing ovation. I am recommending.....Pat
Ha ha - - what a finalé and one which I second most heartedly - - congrats. Paul on having this piece chosen to be read at Cheltenham - (my old stomping ground) Festival - - it would have undoubtedly gone down well. Your voice remains so magnetically pleasing even with a verse such as this light-hearted piece.
The piece flows beautifully: ryme and rythm meet perfectly. I do agree with your superb last stanza. Enjoyable, delightful!
How many quotes a year can bear? The answer is flowing in this page..Absolutely fabulous work Erik.And I am so happy to let my head spin with so many wise quotable lines.Great work as ever..