How many barriers are there to listening?
When I speak you don’t hear me
my words don’t hold enough for you
Can’t you see I’m thinking clearly
None of this is just out-of-the-blue
But you don’t care, it doesn’t matter
if my speaking reaches your ears
To you my vioce is just some splatter
like paint drops drying over the years
Stop and listen, I’ve got much to say
despite your closed-minded attitude
My words tomorrow will be like today
your lack of caring is much too rude
My mind continues moving on
My thoughts my own and cannot share
The pedestal you stand upon
like three legs on a broken chair
©2026 CBialczak
Stine Writing 
Well said. Too often I had bosses like that! It is unfortunate that some family and friends also fall into that same self centered universe. Some you have to live with, and others you can drop. Sometimes it is hard to let go, but it is also freeing!
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Very good analogies drawn in your piece Christine
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I’ve experienced this – in the work environment. Often giving an opinion that is talked over only to have my words scooped up and repeated by a man sitting next to me and becoming brilliant for “his” input!
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infuriating!
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Indeed. But the upside is that if you want an idea put forth and implemented it is easy to “plant the seed”! Sometimes you just have to work within the system!
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Love it, …thoughtful and so full of truths, …( and I’m so sure I’ve used that three legged broken chair, …) …✨
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