You Won’t Understand

Often people say to me "You just won’t understand."
"You’re way too old," or "Way too young," or "YOU are NOT a man."

I don’t know why some people feel they suffer unique pain.
As if they are the only ones who’ve lost or ceased to gain.
I don’t know why they hide their pain and clutch it ever tighter.
It seems to me that all should know – a burden shared gets lighter.

Why some folks even deign to think the pain that’s in their heart,
Is all their own, to keep and hoard, they set themselves apart.
They keep their eyes from meeting mine
lest I should see their hurt.
And even if we stop and speak their words are often curt.

The Bible says: ‘Two’ can withstand what overcomes just ‘one’.
And also that – a ‘Cord of Three’ can scarcely be undone.

Besides, I know the ways of hurt – My heart’s been crushed before.
Friends have betrayed – I’ve lost at love,
Despair’s knocked at my door.

And I Remember – Thoughts gone wild – And crying late at night.
Not having strength to care at all – Much less the strength to fight.
But, someone special came to me – And when my trials were told.
I realized that with their tears – They’d eased my heavy load.

And so, I learned – that Pain – like Love – Is bearable if shared.
I don’t know what I would have done without that friend who cared.

My trials did not vanish fast – In fact the time was long.
But sharing gave me breathing space until I could grow strong
Enough to laugh again and even start to smile –
And though it seemed it could not help – It eased my pain awhile.

So, if you think that you can’t share cause I won’t understand.
At least just give me half a chance to lend a helping hand.
For I know that you’re hurting and I know a place to start.
Perhaps if you could realize – Your pain burns in my heart.

I know I cannot make your trials and troubles go away.
But maybe I can help a bit to get you through today.
And maybe by tomorrow you wont need help anymore.
But if you should – Don’t be ashamed –
For that’s what friends are for.

And after all is said and done – The trials ceased – You’re whole.
Perhaps you’ll know just what to do to help another soul –
Who’s being crushed by hurt and pain – be it woman or a man.
And you won’t have to hear them say "You just won’t understand."

Submitted by Madeleine

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About waynem

As a Minnesota based photographer and artist I have been greatly influenced by the Upper Midwest. I focus my skills and energies on portraits, landscapes, cityscapes, architectural and fine art work. My best work comes from images first painted in my mind. I mull over a prospective image for weeks or months, seeing it from different angles and perspectives, then finally deciding what to capture. The result is images that deeply touch people's emotions and powerfully evoke memories and dreams. My images are used commercially by companies and organizations ranging from Financial Services firms, mom and pop Ice Cream shops and The Basilica of St Mary to communicate their shared vision and values. Book and magazine publishers have featured my images on their covers. My photographs also grace and enhance the decor of many fine homes.
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1 Response to You Won’t Understand

  1. John says:

    Madeline, this is absolutely beautiful, very touching and profound!
    GBYAY

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