Who Do You See? A Response Poem

“Who do you see when you look at me?
Do you see who I am and who I hope to be?
Who do you see when you look at me?
that you would condemn or hope to admire?
If your looking high, look lower.
If your looking low, look higher.
I am a child of anger with ones of her own,
A loving mother whose children adore.
Do you see a harlot, a disgrace to her home,
a devoted wife who could not be more?
Is that what you see when you look at me?
That you would condemn or you would admire?
If your looking high, look lower.
If your looking low, look higher.
Lazy in deed, even at play,
A loyal worker doing her best,
ashamed and alone, forgetting to pray,
A faithful Christian never at rest?
Whomever you see when you look at me,
do not condemn or hope to admire.
For all I am is all I’ll ever be,
If your looking high, look lower.
If your looking low, look higher.”

When I look at you, I see a human being,
with flaws and strengths, like anyone seen.
I see a person with a heart full of love
and a soul that seeks guidance from above.
I see a child of anger who has learned to heal
and a mother whose love her children can feel.
I see someone who strives to do her best
and a woman who stands by her family with zest.
I do not see a harlot or a disgrace to her home,
I see a devoted wife who couldn’t be more alone.
I see a person with different roles to play,
who juggles them all in her own unique way.
So, whoever you are and whatever you do,
remember that your worth is not based on a view.
For you are more than what meets the eye,
If you’re looking high, look lower,
and if you’re looking low, look high.

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About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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