Where Are You? Part 1
'Where Are You' is a reflective poem that captures the humour and fatigue of everyday life. It blends everyday noise with quiet longing, reminding us that even in the most ordinary moments, we are often searching for presence, help and grace.
HUMAN EXPERIENCES
Sharifah Francis
2/2/20262 min read
Eyeing the door that beckons me
to come and go outside.
I'm yearning just to run for it;
dive behind shrubbery and hide.
What baffles me and I'm pouting,
something I'd really like to confirm -
where are you,
in this muddled up great world?
Where are you?
I think again. A third time if I must,
over this overbearing bustle,
a fumble and a fuss.
The noise is unbearable -
a clatter and a clang.
Dishes breaking, children screaming,
and there's the occasional sound of...
Bang!
Then there comes the scolding,
of why, of who; put it back!
Fingers start their blaming,
followed by cries for a sympathy snack.
I walk away from the drama;
fulfilling their prior request.
The noises eventually settle down.
Now back to work I guess...
Putting down and fixing up
a bit of everything,
but somehow there's more clutter,
my confused brain begins to ring.
I spot the comfort in the corner,
and I push clutter to a side.
I'll just come back to them later...
later...all the time.
Until the noises start again;
the brain begins to ring,
but no children screaming;
instead...
they begin to sing.
I return with sleepy eyes,
shifting, moving, packing away.
A fly decides to join the fun;
gleefully buzzing, until it meets Mr. Spray.
Where are you?
Your help would be great!
And here goes the bin
swallowing another broken plate.
Reflection:
Life can often get loud, messy, and unfinished, bringing with it a quiet weariness. Yet weariness doesn't always signal that something is wrong. Sometimes it simply means you've been present, attentive, and giving more than anyone can see.
This poem holds space for tired moments that come not from failure, but from faithfulness to ordinary responsibilities. 'Where Are You' also speaks to the search for presence - one that often rises when we are tired, stretched thin, or quietly in need of grace.
Where in your life are you tired - not because you've failed, but because you've been showing up? and when life feels overwhelming, where do you turn for presence, help, or rest?
