Who Reads You?

Familiar Eyes vs Perfect Strangers

Artwork by author (Agnes). Find more illustrations on my Instagram!

I’ve always found it’s easier
To be read by strangers.
It feels counterintuitive,
Does it not?

Putting vulnerable stories
In front of people you don’t know,
And yet…
I seem to struggle more
Sharing my words
With the people who know me best.

Strangers will remain strangers
No matter what they learn
Maybe they’ll never read me again
Whether they like it or hate it
Whether it resonates
They might not say a word
Some views, a few reads,
Fewer comments

With readers you know
Silence feels louder
And questions feel sharper
Sometimes I’m a little braver
I send the friend links
I ask what they think
I wait impatiently
For them to read
But it can feel demanding
A child asking for attention
Look at my drawing,
Read my story, read my poem
Like every once in a while it’s okay
Just don’t do it too often
Maybe it’s a pressure I put on myself
Like I care what they think
Like I want to impress
Maybe it’s in my mind
More…