When I Look at You

Summary

"When I Look at You" is a reflective poem that explores themes of perception, existence, and the desire for understanding and freedom across differences.

Abstract

The poem "When I Look at You" delves into the complexities of how individuals perceive one another, highlighting the fear of being judged and the desire to hide. It contrasts the initial hesitation with the assertion of existence and the longing for freedom and care rather than hostility or confinement. The speaker questions the instinct to see others as monsters due to differences and challenges the reader to recognize shared humanity and the beauty in diversity. The poem, originally written in Dutch and accompanied by a musical interpretation, invites the audience to look beyond surface-level appearances and embrace a more empathetic and inclusive worldview.

Opinions

The speaker expresses a vulnerability and a wish to avoid being objectified or imprisoned by another's gaze.
There is a sense of frustration towards the tendency to categorize others as 'monsters' or 'strangers' based on differences, suggesting a critique of societal biases.
The poem advocates for mutual recognition and respect, emphasizing the importance of coexistence and the right to exist freely without fear.
The author's inclusion of a musical component to the original Dutch version indicates a belief in the power of multimedia expression to enhance the poem's message.
The translation into English signifies an intention to reach a broader audience and foster a universal conversation about empathy and understanding.

When I Look at You

“When I look at you my beautiful friend, I see nothing but beauty and power and grace; and I am awestruck by the color of your wings.” — Heather K. O’Hara

When I look at YOU, Tell me who’s there, tell me what I see? Listen, me — I’d rather hide, If there’s any place left, I’d disappear, flee, get out of sight, Don’t really want to be eaten or caged.

When you look at ME, Do you see a monster? am I so strange? Is it because your eye would rather find all our differences and your mind doesn’t look further and fosters “hunter and prey”, this old paradigm?

But, you know, I live here also, I breathe, crawl, run, fly, I EXIST, I would rather feel what freedom is, Your care, too, not the backstab, Nor wires and fences, gates slammed shut, Brother, I AM here and I look back.

Anna Krasko 2023

This poem was originally written in Dutch (Als ik naar je kijk) and even has an musical component to it. I have translated it into English.

Thank you for reading ♡!