What humans know but don’t understand | Teen Ink

What humans know but don’t understand

November 1, 2018
By Anonymous

I am not a tale to tell
Or a tragedy to be glamorized
I am not an inspiration to young people
Or a role model to the next generation

I am not a story to be told in support group
Or a potential memoir to be put on display
I am not an ad for rehab centers
I am just being humanly tragic.


Please criticize me for being an alcoholic so young!
Have no sympathy because I act more helpless than I am
What you know but don't understand  I don't want to be helped, we want to be justified.


The author's comments:

My poem is based on true realities I experienced. During my service hours that is mandatory for school, I visted an AA group where I sat down and heard what people were saying. Unfortunately I was dealing with an addiction so I thought this would be good for me. All I was hearing though was just excuses on why people cant stop despite their best efforts. It was the same desperate lines to try to earn sympathy to people who were just as pathetic. The poem is to remind people that it’s in our human nature to go around subtly go looking for pity so people can justify our actions so we feel less ashamed or guilty but it doesn’t mean it’s right. It’s toxic. We will never grow as humans.


Similar Articles

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

This article has 2 comments.


Joshua1468 said...
on Nov. 23 2018 at 6:58 pm
Joshua1468, Chicago, Illinois
0 articles 0 photos 1 comment
Keep up the good work I love your work

Face said...
on Nov. 16 2018 at 8:47 pm
Face, Dallas, Texas
0 articles 0 photos 1 comment
This was gr8! Keep it up :)