It was like I was invisible and unheard
I said, These people speak to me
with such spite and untruths
it is as though they want me dead.

It was like I was invisible and unheard
that those bearing false witness against me
stole all the air in the room,
creating space for only one-sided stories,
half truths and lies.

It was like I was invisible, unheard, misheard,
My words were too often misplaced, dismissed,
conveniently lost, whispered, forgotten, and misquoted
rarely, if ever, included in reports,
sworn statements in courtrooms,
classrooms, boardrooms, business meetings,
team meetings, yearly reviews, job interviews

It was like I was invisible…like it always is/was
when no one wants to hear another’s truths or pains
or avoid blame for bad behavior

It was like I was invisible,
had to be invisible so no one could
confirm liars are tolerated for their ability
to play to the audience, not ruffle feathers,
and employ drama to avoid otherwise
awkward silences, historical misdeeds, and bullies.

It was like I was invisible…today,
so you could be you…
perfect and blameless.

 

Janet Cormier is a painter, writes prose and poetry, and performs comedy. JC prefers different and original over pretty. She loves collecting stuff, but cleaning not so much. Janet also talks to strangers… a lot. Her column now appears weekly on Oddball Magazine.