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The Introvert

Sequestered in an abstract mood,
Replete in blissful solitude;
Behind the veil of scenes overt
You’ll find the pensive introvert.

You may not find him center stage,
The Hercules of any age;
But like the spy who goes unseen
He functions best behind the scenes.

The kind of friendship that he seeks,
The few unhurried words he speaks,
Are better known for quality
And less for bulk or quantity.

He usually won’t promote himself,
But needs the faith of someone else
Who cares to cultivate his gifts,
Which he himself may have dismissed.

His countenance, inscrutable,
Has gained a name most suitable:
The famed collected, cool, and calm
Depicts his bent to stay withdrawn.

Yet don’t misjudge his calm veneer,
Which if provoked may disappear,
And in its place there might be seen
The fierceness of a wolverine.

He often thinks outside the box,
Yet most don’t know his mental plots;
For these he rarely will express
Or only state upon request.

He may not well articulate,
Yet never underestimate
The keenness of his intellect,
Which may exceed what most expect.

If entrance you should seek to gain
Into the labyrinth of his brain;
If time enough you will invest,
He may unlock his treasure chest.

.

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James Bontrager was born and raised near the rural town of Bonduel, Wisconsin. He currently lives in Ontario, California. He is part of one of several project management teams that works for a construction company. Very recently he published a book of his poetry through the Hustlin’ Backwards Entertainment organization.

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13 Responses

  1. Lynn Sprayberry

    Outstanding depiction of the introvert. They are gems, but so often misunderstood. You captured their uniqueness and their extraordinary gifts.

    Reply
  2. Robert Nachtegall

    James,
    A delightful insight into an often misunderstood personality. I immediately connected with much of this. You clearly understand your subject.

    Reply
  3. Roy Eugene Peterson

    “The Introvert” should be the most feared for his mental acuity whether as a spy (as you suggested), a poker player, or a strategist. This is a great poem on an oft misunderstood personality type who may become a great writer and poet who calmly assesses the surrounding world and who can strike out of the blue when needed or provoked.

    Reply
  6. James Bontrager

    “The Introvert” was birthed out my personal struggle to find security and self-worth in what I perceive to be a world dominated by extroversion where introversion is often equated to weakness and absence of intellect. Thanks for your generous feedback.

    Reply
  7. jd

    Methinks there may be kindred spirits responding to your perfect depiction of most introverts. There is a book titled “Quiet” by Susan Cain you might enjoy.

    Reply
  8. Cheryl A Corey

    A well-written poem that many can relate to. Count me as a kindred spirit. I think it’s worse when you’re a woman and you’re labeled as “shy”. I’m actually quite gregarious among people I know and trust.

    Reply
  10. Twila Brase

    Well done. Well said. Well rhymed. Exquisitely describes those who live lives seeing more and saying less, unless perchance with their closest friends.

    Reply
  11. Margaret Coats

    A most attractive character sketch, James. Though an introvert might have undesirable qualities, you in effect prove that these are not necessarily part and parcel of the reserved and pensive type. The world indeed seems dominated by extroverts because it is so natural for them to take the stage and demand the lion’s share of attention, whether or not they deserve it. You notice the reasons good and noble nature may remain hidden, and yet be easily accessible to prospective friends. The final comparison to a treasure chest is splendid.

    The easy reading tetrameter lines and the unpretentious tone favor your subject. A possible comparison poem is Milton’s “Il Penseroso.” It is, however, paired with “L’Allegro,” and the two are said to be governed by Mirth and Melancholy. As fair as the poet might have wanted to be, giving them equal verse form, the more thoughtful of the two has to suffer from this procedure, precisely because of the immediate appeal of outward appearances. Your treatment implicitly affirms that the inner being is more important, as we know from experience that it is. You keep secret what the model introvert may have within, but effectively dispel any prejudice against his type.

    Reply
  12. Susan Jarvis Bryant

    This well-crafted poem taps into the “labyrinth” of the introvert’s brain, and the essence of his intriguing demeanor beautifully. I especially like the fierceness of that inner wolverine. There’s more to the introvert than meets the eye. Thank you, James.

    Reply
  13. Rachel Meyer

    Excellent! You captured a portrait of the introvert superbly. “He often thinks outside the box,/Yet most don’t know his mental plots;/For these he rarely will express/Or only state upon request” resonated especially with me.

    Reply

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