why pretend we know
what we cannot truly know
of people we hardly know
minds are not easy to read
from Facebook chatter, the least
truths, half-truths, quarters
feelings expressed in bits and pieces
what is stated could be a deep-seated wish
or an easily concocted imagined dish
shyness holds back
or overcompensates
inside them bullies hide fear
and berate everyone far and near
some hold their cards close to the chest
while shouting something meaningless as what’s best
others share jokes
hiding heartache that chokes
those that watch and say nothing
present a picture of knowing everything
people who laugh and act silly
are dismissed as clowns without substance, brusquely
sharing political wisdom
is considered proof you are not dumb
passionate players for social justice
are mocked as armchair critics
what we get, mere impressions
on which we base all our assumptions
and pretend we know
what we cannot really know
of people we hardly know
©Shail Mohan 2016
Shail's Nest 
The reason Facebook drives me completely insane.
I hear you, Phil.
All of what you say is correct
Some, a facade, have to erect
Some are open
Some have slogan
And some just come to nosily inspect!
And then there are those who think they have them all down pat. 🙂
Well said, Shail. @sheilamgood at Cow Pasture Chronicles
How true!!!!! Love the last para, it sums it all up so beautifully.
My feeling too. Last para is too true. I am guilty of assuming…but hey, trying to know what I don’t know and may never know entertains me. As long as I don’t go spreading tales about what I think I know about people, I excuse myself of pretending – what I think I know but cannot really know of people I hardly know.
99% of the people here are wearing marks. They want to show what they want to show, that is all! You have written them very well, Shail!
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So much I agree to!
And here I read how to make machines behave like human in my courses!
Such a beautiful poem! 🙂
I agree, I don’t think people should assume things about others without knowing the whole story, but I admit it’s hard sometimes when a lot of people you come across by validate what possible assumptions you have of them (ex: some traits we malayalees possess. Obviously not all people possess them, but when you see a majority who do have them, it’s easy to assume).
Those are generalizations.
I can relate so much to it Shail. It stirs the mind on value judgment reaching social media. Powerfully written 🙂