all or nothing

It seems to me there's nothing more universal than malaise. Does it really matter which thorn is causing it, I wonder? We all have them. You're not alone. Keep writing!
❤️k

True. I hope that people will know and feel that I'm alongside them, empathising, but wonder if the impact would be greater if I were less elusive about it. Maybe my writing appeals to the lowest common denominator at the moment. Part of me, of course, wants to feel understood... and I appreciate that I make that hard to do.

Your writing is very good!  If you feel your thoughts have not been absorbed, it is the fault of an immature readership and those who are here ONLY for porn, erotica and some sort of cheap popularity!
Write on, my friend!
-Ted

I want to be both personal and universal - to be vulnerable, but to speak to people in different situations to mine. I've just been musing on the fact that if I can't be more open, everyone could well be wandering in and out here nonplussed.

E,
As Shakespeare wrote, "To thine own self be true"!  PLEASE don't write to gain approval of THIS audience...they do not represent good judgement of poetry.

No, no... I want to empathise with as many hurting people as I can. Now or in future.

The hardest part with empathy is protecting yourself. Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes is difficult, especially when they get trampled on. Keep writing dear poetess. Not only is it cathartic for self, the readership would be lost without you. My personal opinion from someone who writes what would be considered by some as just porn. Your poetry has touched me unmeasurable ways.

Thank you so much.

*initially I thought you were holding a hockey stick, or broomball stick.  Lol. But, it dawned on me when I noticed the tip...

Sometimes I myself write in a form of private code. Metaphors are my disguise.
Yet, readers tend to take what they read towards their own direction a lot, which is a good thing too.  We don't have to be too obvious or basic.  We write for release first, and to be "caught" and appreciated second.  
  Your writes are fine.  Guessing yourself is normal. It's called growth.  Welcome to writing your guts out.  Lol.  We readers bring our own plates.

I had dressed up as the Spelling Police for World Book Day at school.

You are very right. I would like to be more open, but reserved and cloaked in metaphors is fine too.

I hear you and know your pain. Not that I can ease your burden or like Androcles remove your thorn, yet maybe just knowing you're not alone will help. It is a beautiful poem for all it's sadness.

Thank you. It means a lot. It's a common enough pain, but it's my pain and I suppose I don't shout about it. British thing. I always appreciate your writes and your feedback.

I'm the same way about pain, it's all mine and I'm not sharing. Funny how no one has every accused me of being selfish when I refuse to share this inner turmoil. Just call me Midas.

Poetry is everything...

There are no limitations,
save for those...

Within ourselves...

You have a very polished, cool
style, Ellie...

It is very effective...

And your "poetic eye" is such that
one cannot help but be drawn into the worlds you draw up with your words...

This is one of my favourite comments ever. Thank you so much. I really appreciate 'polished, cool style' and 'poetic eye'. Lovely! I must admit to being a but mystified at people who say edit, edit, edit... nah, doesn't work for me. I won't post anything here until I'm reasonably happy, and major edits are rare after that.

Love all of your work also.

(You look real cool in your avatar pic, also...)

:)

I was being the Spelling Police for a dress-up day at school/ work.