Being shy is not all its cracked up to be, you know?

People are rude & ignorant, and treat you as slow

Overlooked, overshadowed, ignored and forgotten

Unnoticed and quiet, a child I’m begotten

You’re misunderstood, misread and dismissed

“She’s aloof, a snob, and on my black list”

But thats not the case, not how it all seems

I’m just like you, with my own hopes and dreams

Though mine stay hidden, I’m too shy to share

Speak up and be seen? I’d simply not dare

Ridicule, rejection, humiliation and more

Are all my worst fears, as I inch for the door

A prisoner in my own body, I long to get out

Break free of my shackles, silently I scream and I shout

But you wouldn’t know the pain I conceal

The longing, the loneliness the anguish I feel

I long for connection, to be seen and be heard

For someone to come close and see I’m not weird

I am kind and caring, and really good fun,

A loyal friend for life, when all’s said and done

So please don’t walk past us, we really want to join in

Some encouragement from you, and it will be a win-win

Paula Caffrey

1st June 2021