This poem is for Sadie’s What do you see challenge. You can join in here: https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/2025/11/24/what-do-you-see-316-24-november-2025/
Can You See Me?
Can you see me?
Hidden behind the veil
of continuous pretending
the one that hides feelings
of inadequacy and imperfection
the quest for recognition
in every task, big or small
that leads to people pleasing
an inability to say no
and endless pushing of
personal boundaries
***
Can you see me?
Hidden behind the veil
of immaculate grooming
sleek hair carefully styled
make up understated
suit and shoes
carefully chosen
but look at the nails
bitten right down to the quick
even the surrounding skin
is gnawed and bleeding
***
Can you see me?
Hidden behind the veil
Sunday Stills
Terri’s Sunday Stills prompt is brightness. You can join in here: https://secondwindleisure.com/2025/11/23/sunday-stills-the-impossible-brightness/
The picture above and two below are of the sun shining through autumn leaves.
roberta-writes.com 
Compelling poetry and beautiful nature photos, Robbie!
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Thank you, Dave. I love light in paintings and photography.
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Love your beautiful poem.
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Thank you, Diana
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Striking poems, Robbie! Bravo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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Thank you, Nolcha
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Very raw and evocative verse Robbie. Thankfully balanced out by the cherry photos.
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I’m delighted you like the photographs, Brad. This poem just came when I looked at the picture for this prompt.
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Hi Robbie, your poetry is powerful, and your photography is beautiful!
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Thank you, Charles. I appreciate your comment.
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Your poem is wonderful, Robbie. I think we all hide behind or are placed behind a mask to some degree. That hibiscus bloom is positively glowing in the sun!
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Hi Priscilla, thank you for your comment. I think many of us do hide behind masks and I think this is especially so for women in the workplace. It is still an on-going fight for recognition and respect. The hibiscus picture was such a lucky shot.
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Fascinating poetry, Roberta, and lovely pictures!
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Thank you, Tim.
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My pleasure, Roberta. 😊
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Hidden behind the veil is not a happy place to be. (I’ve been there and never want to go back.)
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Hi Liz, it happens a lot at work, but it can also happen in society and homes.
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Agreed!
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What a moving poem Robbie! We are often caught in this trap of being what others want us to be. A very evocative poem. Thanks for joining in.
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My pleasure, Sadje. It’s a great prompt picture.
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Thank you so much Robbie
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Your poem perfectly describes a common situation, especially for women. I like the photos of autumn leaves with what looks like palm leaves.
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Hi Audrey, I agree that this situation impacts a lot more women than men. Women are still looked down on in the work place and judged more harshly. That is my experience in any event. The back leaves are palm trees.
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Really love your poem Robbie.
I think we all wear masks to some degree for different reasons.
Your photographs are beautiful!
Thank you for sharing
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HI Maggie, I agree that many women wear such masks in many situations. Men don’t have the same need to mask their true identifies unless they are being nefarious and then they do. The world is far more accepting of imperfections in men.
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Hi Robbie
Yes, you said it so well 🤗
Where we are constantly bombarded by unrealistic expectations 🙄 of how we should dress,,etc, etc!
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Beautiful and profound poems and beautiful pictures. I guess we can all hide behind a veil, unseen. I especially liked “Sun shining on a hibiscus flower”.
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Hi Thomas, I was very pleased with that photograph. I’m pleased you appreciated the poem.
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I can’t see you very well, Roberta, but I can feel you and your beautiful poem:)
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Thank you, Martina, I appreciate your comment. I hope you are well.
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I need a lot of patience, Roberta, and I thank you for your thought!:)
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🙏🤗
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So beautifully written!
https://christyscreativecorner5.wordpress.com/
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Thank you, Christy
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A sad and poignant poem, Robbie, and lovely nature photos!
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A very thought-provoking poem and beautiful photos as always…
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beautiful picture 👍
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So many hide behind the veil of perfection, forgetting their real selves. Beautiful and poignant poem.
Love your photos!
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You’re welcome.
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💙
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The poem is very moving, Robbie, and your flowers are gorgeous.
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Thank you, Jennie. Happy Thanksgiving
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You’re welcome!
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🩵
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A very powerful poem, Robbie! Also, lovely photos, especially the first one, that hibiscus flower. Gorgeous!
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Thank you, Chris. The hibiscus was such a lucky shot
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At times, my greatest fear, that I am seen, while trying to balance the fear of not being seen…
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I think a few of us feel like that, Annette 🩵
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