Being seen
There have been a lot of self-portraits around recently. And they’ve been making me very uneasy – not that I disapprove of them, on the contrary. It’s been the thought of posting my own that has made me nervous.
Enough of fear and shyness. Here it is. I suspect I may take the photo down before too long though .....
Is it possible
to stand in the light
to hold still
to be seen?
Shall I be here
for once
without flinching
or averting my eyes?
Looking back at
you
with the same
calm, even
gaze.
Is it possible
to hold the tension?
Enough of fear and shyness. Here it is. I suspect I may take the photo down before too long though .....
Is it possible
to stand in the light
to hold still
to be seen?
Shall I be here
for once
without flinching
or averting my eyes?
Looking back at
you
with the same
calm, even
gaze.
Is it possible
to hold the tension?
posted by Mary at 1:29 pm
25 Comments:
That's lovely. A good shy person's self-portrait - off-center, dimly lit so your face is only barely seen - and shy person's poem to boot. Nice!
I haven't even thought about doing this, though I did post photos of myself earlier this year (not self-portrait). Haven't had time to think straight.
Lovely Mary!
Don't take it back, it's great to see you.
These are absolutely lovely and haunting - both your photo and your words.
In soft light, gently, barely visible. Lovely and shimmering. And words to go with...
Beautiful image and beautiful words, Mary!
Elusive but meaningful!
Oops, I guess I missed it. Nuts.
I'll echo what the others have said, Mary. Lovely photo and words; complementary and beautifully reflective.
Oh, very beautiful.
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Thank you all so much. I don't know why I was making such heavy weather of this, but I was, and your reception relieved a lot of anxiety.
Dave, the photo is still up ... browser problems?
Evidently so. I still can't see it.
You were right - my browser was blocking blogger photos. I can see you now! Sort of. You do look a bit apprehensive about the whole thing (says the man with a porcupine in his gravatar).
Brave girl, lovely. I like it!!!
looking back ... with the same calm, even gaze You are not alone in that desire... Inside of many people who appear self-assured and brave is that same nervous unease... out of the gentle light is a wonderful photo and post!
Oh, Mary! You resemble one of my dearest friends from college! The words you share describe how disquieting it is for you to share your beauty with all of us. Now your secret is out...you are indeed quite lovely! I am glad you were brave enough to take the plunge. :)
It's a beautiful photo! I understand exactly how you feel, I felt the same but it's a great exercise and it get easier!
Dave: glad you broke through :-)!
Rdl, Endment, Sky: Thank you. The encouragement of friends definitely helps.
Felicity: Many thanks and welcome!
I can only echo what they all said. I don't know why I missed visiting your blog before, Mary. You're going on my blogroll this week.
A wonderful picture - I love your words.
I love the photo and your words, Mary. You do seem shy, as Leslie said. So am I.
Natalie: Thank you! So nice to see you here.
Starnitesky: Thank you .....
Justin: I think a lot of bloggers are basically shy ....
Oh Mary, so happy to see this lovely portrait (and you!) - and sorry it took me so long to get over here. Bravo for taking the plunge!
Beth: Thank you. Your encouragement helped!
Is there some sort of medal going out for blogger bravery? A sort of cyber victoria cross ... there should be. I'll nominate you!
Real courage. And I find it a really powerful image - kind of draws me in and I find myself moving my head to try to glimpse a little more.
Stray: Thank you!
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