Deceptive appearances

~ paeansunplugged

Your perception colours your vision
You have never tried to know my side of story
Though you may see me as a threat
I am just protecting my territory.

Appearances don’t define character
Hatred so often hatred does beget
I am just protecting my territory
Though you may see me as a threat.

You see what you want to see
Invisible my teardrops to those consumed by bigotry
Though you may see me as a threat
I am just protecting my territory.

I am as terrified of you as you of me
Danger makes me too break out in sweat
I am just protecting my territory
Though you may see me as a threat.

Myths and lores fuel our fears
You tend to believe distorted history
Though you may see me as a threat
I am just protecting my territory.

Maybe time will be kinder with you
Maybe your actions you will regret
I am just protecting my territory
Though you may see me as a threat.

dVerse: write a mirrored refrain.

What do you see # 94

77 thoughts on “Deceptive appearances”

  12. Such a beautiful and powerful piece, Punam. It is sad that our humanity tries to push away others and even indirectly hurt them in these ways. Creatures, like dragons, are only protecting their home. 😀 I may be biased, but I think the dragon has a right to its territory.
    When we judge, I feel as if it brings out the worst in us. Beautifully and evocatively conveyed! 🖤

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  17. This really is a mirror, but the image is perceived in two different ways. We are very good at refusing to acknowledge truths, the evidence of our own eyes, or of science. We see exactly what we want to see. Very clever and thoughtful poem.

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    1. The image in the mirror depends also on the shape of the mirror…thus the difference in perception.
      You are right, we actually excel at refusing to acknowledge the truth, distorting it with how we want it to be.
      Thank you so much.

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  18. A delightful poem, Punam! Beautifully executed mirrored refrain!

    Now a question I have often pondered, “Puff the Magic Dragon,” a children’s song or a song about drugs. What do you think?

    Just kidding! Have a great day! ❤

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  20. We are after the same human being beneath all the differences. I specially like this part:

    I am as terrified of you as you of me
    Danger makes me too break out in sweat

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  21. Bigotry is a dinosaur that needs to lay to rest. It is the time to join hands to save the planet we depend on for continued existence. You advocate so clearly and strongly for it in your poem ❤

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  25. ‘Appearances don’t define character’ – oh how true. Ignorant perception is so ugly – but we don’t see that in our mirrors. Great write.

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  26. I am just protecting my territory” That is all that is important to me these days. Being mindful and taking care of myself may be difficult but that is all that matters to me now. Thank you for writing this. I may have perceived this one a little off, but I loved this still.

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  28. Pingback: What do you see # 94 – A Roundup – Keep it alive

  32. I love the repetition of I’m only protecting my territory (family too I would expect) We need to see other sides to a story. As human beings we tend to think we are the most important, but in the grand universe we are not and have to rethink our ideas.

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