Summary

Gustave Deresse's poem "Can You Trust Me?" explores the internal conflict of self-expression and the vulnerability it entails, questioning the value of sharing personal truths.

Abstract

In "Can You Trust Me?" Gustave Deresse delves into the complexities of honesty and the hesitation to expose one's innermost thoughts and feelings. The poem reflects on the fear of sharing personal experiences, the pressure to conform to the openness of other poets, and the struggle to find meaning in one's own life experiences. Deresse ponders the impact of his words on others, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful communication and the desire to create a safe space for expression. Despite the temptation to share, he grapples with the potential loss of self and the power dynamics involved in revealing personal truths. The poem concludes with an acknowledgment of the poet's imperfections and the fundamental human need for connection, trust, and the acceptance of brokenness as part of existence.

Opinions

The poet expresses ambivalence about the value and consequences of sharing personal truths.
There is a sense of inadequacy in comparison to other poets who openly bear their souls.
Deresse questions the societal pressure to be transparent and the expectation to share one's life experiences.
He acknowledges the fear of losing the sanctity of personal memories by sharing them with the world.
The poem conveys a deep concern for the impact of his words on the audience, emphasizing a commitment to considerate and non-harmful communication.
There is an underlying fear of the potential negative effects of becoming too vulnerable, including the risk of being misunderstood or manipulated.
The poet asserts the importance of trust and mutual support among humans, despite the inherent challenges of interpersonal relationships.
Deresse hints at a desire to maintain some level of privacy and control over his personal narrative.
The poem suggests that personal growth and understanding can come from the act of writing and sharing, even if it is a gradual process.
Finally, the author expresses gratitude towards his readers and offers a humble plea for mutual care and respect.

Poetry

Can You Trust Me?

by Gustave Deresse

It’s in there, I feel it. What keeps me from taking hold? Even for the mere purpose of honest self-expression? Truth isn’t always mine to share. Or is that just an excuse? I can’t tell.

But I need to know. One can’t remain forever stuck in their shell.

Although, one must consider, might there be more to life than truth and open communication? Why am I so desperate to express myself to anyone while the truth is I don’t really care? When did I fall into this pressure cycle to be as other poets? They who bear their souls nakedly as to invite the world to stroke their hearts with fumbling hands? Please, no.

My experience of life isn’t worth public representation. My suffering has never been exceptional. You can share with me, and I’ll be appreciative and understanding of your thoughts and feelings. Never lose your freedom of expression for the sake of one such as I.

*Me?

You have my love and compassion. Trust this is a safe space to be who you feel you really are. But forget about what I’ve been through. It doesn’t hold a candle to the experiences of billions who are alive today.

There’s no comparison when faced with the experiences of the past.

Why do I feel tempted to share with you in the first place?

Have…

Have I been focused on the negatives this whole time?

What prevents me from telling you of my joys, and of my love? These should be natural topics to tackle for a poet.

Why do I fear my best memories will lose value the moment they leave the sheer sanctity of my mind? Where is the weight, the meaning behind outer perceptions disconnected from my own?

Only that — I’ve always felt lost in life, that my direction has never been certain. But should misunderstanding one’s past then offer them reason to ignore the value of their potential future? No.

If on a day it becomes my honest duty to open up with the world, to lay myself at the feet of readers, other writers and obsoletes —

I didn’t mean that.

Forget what I was about to say.

Trust me to speak as necessary for you to understand. Even when I fail to come through, it will never be with the intention of harming you, my brothers and sisters of this world. I may remain unable to keep you safe from external harms, but it will remain within my ability to be thoughtful and considerate of how my every word may affect you.

I know I’m not perfect. There are worlds and universes that I must traverse before I can ever claim to understand even the slightest nature of our existence. It’s a curse and a gift of life. We must simply trust in the value of our gratitude towards all. We must trust in our ability to take care of one another. We must love each other for being human, and accept that brokenness is a fundamental part of what allows us to be.

If I made any sense here today, then know I will continue to live, for myself, for you, for the breath of existence itself.

But these are only words.

To recap, why have I written this?

Because every poem I try composing to be open, from my heart…

Because I want you to understand that I’ve tried. Despite all my talk of caring little for your views, your opinions…

I’ve wanted to be true to you from the start.

I can’t…

I fear what will become of me. What will happen upon losing myself wholly to you.

I’m afraid of the power you will carry against me. I just don’t know you. If I’ve found reason to be dishonest, then what have you?

Should I throw away my life, for the words of a stranger? Please stop me from continuing, allow no promises to break my lips.

I can’t stay here with you much longer, this poem must come to an end. Perhaps we will have grown upon meeting once more around the bend.

Take care of yourself, lest you become all that remains.

Though we should all be here for one another, in freedom, and in chains.

Sincerely,

— G

About the Author:

🔍 ㅤGustave Deresse Is a Truthful & Theatrical Métis-Canadian Writer, Editor, Wanderer, Cook, and Musical Artist Who Enjoys Exploring Themes as Spirituality, Logic, Life, Philosophy, Nature, Neurocognitive Psychology, Creativity, Writing, Humour, Inspiration, Music, Wellbeing — and the Weird.

P.S. Sooner or later, I tend to edit my pieces. Subscribe to my stories by email for the best chance to catch my original works!

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I appreciate you, take care.

Sincerely, — G