I don’t know anyone who doesn’t need anything

Lori A. Powell 1962 (Saint Mary’s PA)



Often times, ok, maybe once a day
there will be someone who will say
“I don’t care.”

Well I’ve done I don’t care
and it doesn’t get you anywhere.
It leaves you just sitting there with nothing.
Then they say,
“I’m ok, I don’t need anything.”

So my reply
as subtle as can be
will look them in the eye
and say these words simply,

I don’t know anyone
who doesn’t need anything.
What a miracle that would be.

What were you expecting
for someone to care?
Must you be aware
if that’s how you feel then
why say anything?

Those words do not reflect
in the way that you act-
No worth,no value, no self respect.

Say what you mean if you dare.
Mean what you say if you don’t care.
The only way to react to that
is not to care right back.
That’s why it leaves you with nothing.

If it was for a million dollars
would that change your mind?
A smile, a hoot, a holler?
To care would be too kind.

No form of expression.
No gratitude will be there.
Don’t bother asking you
because you don’t care.

You may say words you don’t mean
while others may be hurting.
Surely you care about something,
yet you’re standing there with nothing.

Perhaps, in the moment, you are perfectly content.  
And the words you said you really meant
Some sort of self development
In the state of being independent
Those words are not always received as they were meant.

I don’t know anyone
who doesn’t need anything

About this poem

As we become adults , we have our set ways. We have our own beliefs. Sometimes when things don’t go our way; when others don’t see things the way we do, it becomes frustrating. So much that we argue about it. It may get to the point to where we simply don’t care. Is that a sign of giving up or giving in? Only you can answer that. It can be perceived 2 different ways.

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Written on February 01, 2024

Submitted by musclegirl on May 12, 2024

1:32 min read
126

Quick analysis:

Scheme aab bbcac dede FCe cbbxc gxg bbxxc xhxh fbxb xccc iijji FC
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 1,435
Words 308
Stanzas 12
Stanza Lengths 3, 5, 4, 3, 5, 3, 5, 4, 4, 4, 5, 2

Lori A. Powell

I enjoy writing. I’ve written 2 children’s books. “Les Lobster” and “Stars are everywhere” I live in the forest where the river meets the ocean. Sometimes it’s easier for me to write than to talk to others. Ironically, I used to be a switchboard operator. I write because it seems right to write. Plus it keeps my mouth from getting into trouble. more…

All Lori A. Powell poems | Lori A. Powell Books

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6 Comments
  • Vixility
    What I love about this poem is the realness of its subject matter and the rhythmic cadence used to express it. The poet clearly put a lot of effort into the production of the piece … well done!
    LikeReply8 days ago
  • musclegirl
    Thank you.
    LikeReply8 days ago
  • alanswansea18
    You definitely have talent you should keep on writing.
    LikeReply9 days ago
  • Kfoxy1411
    This is a beautiful depiction of self and what one goes through , the emotions, the battle inside, the battles outside. Truly stunning piece.
    LikeReply9 days ago
  • lauriesero4480
    Say what you mean if you dare. ." Great line " I love it.
    LikeReply9 days ago
    • musclegirl
      thanks. Now if I can say that to their face it would be even better!
      LikeReply9 days ago
  • LatinX
    Great poem!
    LikeReply10 days ago
    • musclegirl
      thank you. So many people are like that. Letting go applies to everything in life. So my new saying or reply to others is, “Let it go”
      LikeReply 210 days ago
    • lauriesero4480
      May you find the courage to let out. Speak loud girl. Say what's in your heart.
      LikeReply9 days ago

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"I don’t know anyone who doesn’t need anything" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 May 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/187607/i-don’t-know-anyone-who-doesn’t-need-anything>.

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