An Open Book

KK

I personally like a person
who is like an open book
that anyone can read
at will, anytime,
but there
are people
who read less
and tear more,
the parts they like,
they keep with them
as their personal memoirs,
and the parts they don’t like,
they don’t want others to read…

In both cases
the idea is to keep
those parts off limits
to others for a purpose…

I wonder
if it’s really a good idea
for a person to be an open book…
📖


–Kaushal Kishore

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51 Comments

  7. As soon as I see the word “book”, you have my full attention, Kaushal.
    To me, there is clear distinction between being an open book to you loved ones and to the whole word. No relationship will be happy if there is a wall of secrecy between people such as married partners, or even close best friends.
    I don’t even mention mothers as this should be obvious.

    As to the rest of the world, absolutely not, as you quite rightly concluded yourself, Kaushal. I remember reading a book by one of our MP, a gifted and very successful storyteller about a young man wanting to make in the banking, being asked by the old friend of his late father, what he would improve. When he was told by the “open book” young man, he betrayed him and ruined his chance, out of spite

    Joanna.

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    1. Thank you, Joanna, for your considered view. I like your balanced approach, as I always say the extreme of anything, either good or bad, is bad. The example given by you regarding your MP’s book is an eye-opener.

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  8. I think there is a difference between being candid (admitting what you both do and do not care for) and having no filter (which is what being an open book can entail). Probably very few of us have never had a hateful or inappropriate thought, so why advertise those private moments? I am as quick to tell somebody when I like something as I am to complain about something. They do not need the benefit of my opinion if it does not solve a problem or improve a situation.

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    1. Thank you, Pat, for such a thoughtful response. You have used the word, filter, that is very appropriate in our relationships. Sharing of weak points can make one vulnerable, and so should be better avoided.

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      1. True, KK. They say as a writer that sharing our vulnerabilities, particularly if they help us overcome a problem or learn lesson can be a way to get people to read our writing. 🙂

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  11. This was a very interesting post, KK, one that could spark many conversations. Most people, I believe, are not open books. There are many pages of life between the covers of books and some of what’s written inside may be very surprising and sometimes unwelcome. When people say they are an open book and have nothing to hide, the opposite is frequently the case. The old adage is true and worth remembering: “Never judge a book by its cover”. 📖

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    1. Very well said, Nancy, never judge a book by its cover. Good one! I also feel that it’s very difficult to become an open book, as nobody likes to wash dirty linen in public, and even if someone dares, he or she will be ridiculed, not appreciated. Thank you very much for sharing your beautiful reflections!

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  12. I grew up when it was appropriate to hide the truth. We were forever guarding some secret. Then the secret makers died and the rest of us were fragmented with bits of secrets we didn’t believe the reveal. So, I rather tell you more than you need to know and over compensate. People suspect that they can take advantage to me, but they can’t. I prefer to be that open book with paragraphs underlined in pink or yellow. When you look closely its the unhighlighted sentences that matter. But even we don’t realize that until much later.

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    1. What a true and candid admission, Sasha! I appreciate you and your courage and conviction that are so rare now-a-days. I’m grateful to you for sharing your own experiences. Greatly appreciated!

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  16. When u r an open book people easily read u out and have their own perspectives about u ..
    When u r not an open book..that time people also does the same thing but in different ways like:- “kuch toh hua hai…kuch ho gya hai”😅😅
    So; live a life like an “IRREPLACEABLE”😃

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  17. Such an interesting subject you put out for us to ponder. I think I am quite an open book..you can see that in my poetry and yet, I am a bit reserved who I let in…to look at it. For those I trust…I am more transparent than opaque:) Oddly enough, I trust this WordPress Community…but not facebook..or others. I have been lucky to not meet trolls and bullies here on this platform:)

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    1. Yes, I know about you, Karima, you are an open book for those who deserve. Your thoughts in this respect are very much appreciated. And yes, WP is a better community than others. Thank you:)

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  19. Ah this is so well thought out and truly makes the reader ponder. AMAZING reflection, KK. Honesty is one of my favorite things in this world, but personal boundaries are just as important…guess it depends who you’re reading your book to 😉 or maybe it’s just a paradox. Thank you for such a wonderful piece!! I always leave your site with new thoughts and perspectives 🤍🤗

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    1. Thank you, Grace, for your kind words and support. I too agree that a personal space is needed even if you are an open book. I truly appreciate your feelings and thoughts in this respect also, as always😊💗

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  21. It is my habit to be truthful, and I tell the truth before it even occurs to me that it would be advantageous to lie. I am very open in my personal relationships, but even there, I try to be selective in what I share. Not everyone needs to know, or wants to know, about my every ache and pain or wants to have a disagreeable discussion of politics or religion. I feel no responsibility to participate in gossip that may hurt others. The idea of being an open book is appealing on its face, but it has many pitfalls.

    I love your thoughtful and thought-provoking poem, KK! ❤ ❤ ❤

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    1. You’re absolutely right, Cheryl! This is what actually happens in real life. That’s why the concept of an open book may be considered “esoteric”, as everyone has or should have his or her own personal space. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your beautiful reflections 😊💖💐

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  22. Love the thoughtful question and wonderful poetry KK. I too like the open book policy but you definitely struck a cord here with questions to ponder.. thanks kk “In both cases
    the idea is to keep
    those parts off limits
    to others for a purpose…

    “❤️

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    1. Thank you, Cindy, for your thoughtful words here and for underling those lines. I’m happy that the post resonates well with you. Means a lot!

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  23. Pingback: An Open Book – Tyrancatech

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