I See You – a Poem for Those Who Feel Invisible

Sometimes you write and another voice comes out. Each new word reveals a message that wasn’t part of your original plan. It’s as if the universe itself aligns, and someone greater than you speaks through you.

This poem was one of those times. I’m incredibly proud of the poem and the video that highlights it. Sometimes everything just comes together.

Watch this being invisible poem in video format below. The music and images add meaning to the words, so I hope you’ll check it out.

I See You by Scott Ninneman

I SEE YOU

Mother dear
Weeping in the drink aisle
No makeup on
Hair barely combed
Black circles show no sleep

I SEE YOU

Lonely boy
The demons came at night
You cry for strength
Cold earnest angst
Repeated silently

I SEE YOU

Teenage girl
Muted tears don’t fall free
Their mocking stings
Demands its price
Proves rock you’re meant to be

I SEE YOU

Aging man
No kids to call your own
There seemed the time
To get it right
Now those days nearly gone

I SEE YOU

Working mom
Arriving home half-dead
The chores still call
They must be fed
Your needs you push aside

I SEE YOU

Single dad
Spending each night alone
The TV glows
Cold beer numbs
Afraid, you just don’t call

I SEE YOU

Waitress worn
Trying to hide your bruise
Life batters you
Dismantles pride
Still here you work each day

I SEE YOU

Homeless vet
Country’s forgotten son
The war still looms
In darkened eyes
You’ve never made it home

I SEE YOU

Teacher there
You watch your students close
You see they don’t
Eat near enough
Your heart you always share

I SEE YOU

Single gal
Believing he means ‘love’
That emptiness
That gnaws your soul
I’ve felt its hunger too

I SEE YOU

Stolid jock
Nothing can injure you
You run the field
Catch ev’ry ball
Fight solitude word-free

I SEE YOU

Grandma, too
White hair is perfect set
You bake your love
Comfort and hug
Pop pain pills in the dark

I SEE YOU

Faithful soul
Trying to lead the sheep
The scriptures speak
In hushed belief
Yet doubt still lingers near

I SEE YOU

Each bruised man
Each woman fighting scared
I see your pain
I cry your tears
Please know you’re not alone

I see YOU

— by Scott Ninneman

December 24, 2019

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Background

These words came to me as I was reading I See You, a story by James Thorne. His story’s short, a minute’s read, but still this poem was born.

I used to sit down at the mall watching shoppers come and go. Though we never spoke, I knew each one and felt what they didn’t show.

It’s decades now, since those mall days, but people still catch my eye. The pain’s increased each passing year, and I’m helpless standing by.

We’re all in pain, though most don’t say. We hide behind frozen smiles. The truth is there, no matter how deep, the toll of many miles.

You feel alone, perhaps no home, the world just doesn’t care. But truth be told, we’re in one boat. I see you standing there.

Whatever you’re fighting, the pain you feel, please press on in your fight.Tomorrow brings a new sunrise, the end to every long night.

This last part here was not meant to rhyme, but I can’t stop once I start. My job is simple, to press the keys, while words pour from my heart.

Thank you, James. This poem has been an incredible experience, and it all started with your words.

I hope this will become one of your favorite poems about being invisible.

Until next time, keep fighting.

Start Today!

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More poetry you’ll enjoy.

Bipolar Blur – A poem about the days that only swirl around you.

Torture – A poem about when someone doesn’t love you back.

Hidden — A poem about challenging your beliefs.