When You're Useful

by Craig Lowe


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​They ask us why we don't speak up.
Why we don't open up.

They say they're here to listen.
That they're here for us.

But it feels like talking to a brick wall.
They say they're here for us...as long as we listen endlessly.

They're here for us...as long as we listen but don't offer solutions.
There's nothing wrong with letting it all out, that's what we all say, but things have to change.

They say they're here for us...but it's the wrong time.
They say they're here for us...but we're not as manly as they thought.

They say they're here for us...but they don't like this image of us. The image wasn't
communicated but we should know it.

They say they're here for us...but they use it in an argument.
They say they care...but it doesn't feel like it.

It's not easy to be anyone.
All we do is compare our suffering, like a shotgun wound is any better than a pistol injury.

I've never tried to control anyone. How you dress, who you talk to, what you do in life, I'm
always on your side.

But a lot of men look 45 at 35, because the weight is too heavy.
You are a predator

A provider before a person.
An unrealistic image that's propped up.

We feel useful for what we can do...we don't feel loved.
Conditions before compassion.

I'm not saying it's easy for you, I'm on your side, but stop pushing young hearts to the side and
wondering why they just don't care.

I want to love but whoever taught you this way of loving is wrong.
I'm not a condition...I'm a human being who will love you the way he's shown love.

People act like learned behaviour is set in stone.
Find someone who will change.

Because if you don't...you must be useful.

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Craig Lowe is a creative writer based in Greater Manchester, focusing on poetry and short stories.

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