avatarLyndsey Frondarina

Summary

The text reflects on the emotional burden of being perceived as "the strong one," who is expected to handle difficulties without showing vulnerability.

Abstract

The poem titled "The Strong One" delves into the societal expectations placed upon individuals who are seen as pillars of strength. It acknowledges the unspoken pressure to constantly manage challenges and support others, often at the expense of one's own emotional well-being. The narrative suggests that while being strong is sometimes praised, it can also be a heavy burden, leaving the individual longing for a moment of vulnerability and the support of others. The poem highlights the desire for reciprocity in care and understanding, emphasizing that even those deemed strong have moments when they need to be supported rather than always being the support system for everyone else.

Opinions

  • The author implies that being called "the strong one" is not always a desired label, as it comes with the expectation of constant resilience.
  • There is a sense of resentment towards the lack of recognition for the emotional toll that strength entails.
  • The poem conveys a wish for a reversal of roles, where the strong individual could experience weakness without judgment and receive care instead of providing it.
  • It is suggested that people often take for granted the strength of others, without considering the effort it takes to

The Strong One

Photo by Sead Dedić on Unsplash

People call you the strong one and mean it as a compliment, as if you wanted to achieve such an accomplishments.

Sometimes it’s just an excuse they use to make you feel obligated to deal with all the shit, because deep down inside they know they wouldn’t be able to handle it.

They don’t stop and think that maybe you don’t want to be the strong one all the time, maybe you get tired of always pretending everything is fine.

Just once you want the the roles to exchange, so you can have one fu*king moment of weakness when someone takes care of you for a change.

But you’ve been the one for so long, they don’t even know what it takes to be strong.

Poetry
Self Love
Mental Health
Resistance Poetry
Strong Women
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