Social media makes me wonder
If I am made for this interesting world;
I’m not a hardcore feminist
Or an armchair activist
Or even an out-and-out champion of anything bold;
In my pursuits I am simple,
In my discourse I am free,
I hold no reservations
About letting people see the soft side of me;
In online debate I find myself weak
Unable to hold forth for much time
On the vagaries of political sides
Or the strappings of religion
And the uncertainty of social tides.
My friends are my support
They know me for who I can be
Not one to shy away from happiness,
With me they can be at complete liberty;
So I may not be for you
If hardcore stances move your soul;
Moderation has always helped me along
Be it in the written or the spoken word.
And so I wonder if it is time indeed
To cut my ties with the world online;
For wouldn’t it be simpler
so infinitely, gloriously, beautifully true
If I could live my life
Without the opinions of the faceless many?
~ © Shailaja V, 2015
Thought provoking and sometimes in life, it’s about thinking “What the hell!” 🙂
This poem is so subtle and yet talks so much about you. It’s great to know more about you Shailaja.. You seem to be one terrific woman.. 🙂
Cheers
I understand and can completely relate. Moderation has always served me well too.
However, don’t let these faceless many bother you. They don’t matter. The only ones who matter are the ones who genuinely care about you.
Oh and yes, some other people should matter too. Like the stalkers (like me 😛 ) you will acquire once you quit the online world.
I guess being connected with the world is essential these days…you might want to get rid of the unpleasant ones and see the happiness and relief it brings.
This blog is a part of such happiness and i am sure you are enjoying it.
Maybe the faceless many just don’t matter Shailaja. Maybe the few who love you for what you are, are the ones who do. As for cutting your ties – even if you do the real friends will stay. I’ll stalk you for one, be prepared.
I must say, I was addicted. Every 5 mins I checked my Whatsapp, the FB, twitter and what not. My husband had to tell me to take a break and though I was angry at him, I now realize how peaceful I feel. Too much of anything could destroy you!
The online space has become a bit too harsh and aggressive for my taste too. That people can be so vicious and rude, shocks and amazes me at the same time. Staying away from such negativity is what works for me! Take care and hugs!
The faceless many only have opinions, they have never been known to actually be of any use to anybody.
It is a individual ‘s choice .So …. it up to you to decide the POA . By cutting off from social media is of no use as these media can be put to a better use if necessary and I respect your feeling Shailaja 🙂
I could so relate to your thoughts. Have been thinking on similar lines off late. The last line hits home!! But it makes me wonder… in real life too we are judged and commented upon by strangers and people who don’t know us.
A sensitive soul like you could be easily disturbed by all the noise around you, especially if by temperament you are not one to take strong positions on issues either way. Better to stay away from the noise in that case. Personally, on an intellectual level I think that even if we don’t take a position we end up making a choice anyway 🙂 But on an emotional level I understand the need to cut some ties if they are impacting you so much. Be well.
Ah so true. You have to cut that invisible cord, it helps in the long run.
I have similar thoughts, Shailaja. But it isn’t just social media, everywhere I look, I see one or the other thing which drives me crazy for no reason of mine. I don’t know what I will end up doing, but souls like you sure is a boost for me. Hugs dear! 🙂
Wholeheartedly agree with what Sid has said above, as you already know Shailaja :).
I understand your point, but it’s your space – so feel free to delete and unfriend as required to keep it to just people who you want to keep ‘online’ relations with.
I appreciate your concern of wanting to cut the ties and going offline, but doing so because others are irresponsible with their statuses or their responses is perhaps not the way.
Anyway, I reckon this requires an ‘offline’ conversation