Voice Over by Val Cole

Get to know the poet:

1) What is the theme of your poem?

The poem "Safety" explores the deteriorating mental state of a man struggling with isolation, delusion, and suicidal ideation. Throughout the piece, the speaker experiences persistent discomfort in his surroundings and an increasing sense of disconnection from others. The recurring "ticking" sounds symbolize his intrusive thoughts and the looming presence of hallucination. In his search for comfort and validation, the man fixates on a figure named Pearl, who represents affection, importance, and emotional relief. However, Pearl is later revealed not to be a person, but a gun—a manifestation of his delusion and desperation. The motif of "kisses" serves as a metaphor for the gun's mechanical clicks, gradually transforming from gestures of comfort into ominous signals of his impending self-destruction. As the poem progresses, the ticking intensifies, paralleling his psychological breakdown. The final "kiss" marks both the climax of his delusion and the moment of his death. The title "Safety" functions as a powerful double entendre, referring simultaneously to the gun's safety mechanism (safety on/off) and the protagonist's futile desire for emotional and psychological safety. Ultimately, the poem reflects the fragile boundary between comfort and danger, love and destruction, and reality and delusion.

2) What motivated you to write this poem?

I was depressed at the time and feeling hopeless as I approached my final year at California State University, Long Beach, graduating in Spring 2026. I was trying to prove to myself—and to others—that I had talent. I wanted people to see the real me. That was when a light bulb went off. I realized that we often speak too quietly about mental illness. As I am a big supports for the disability community and mental health, writing "Safety" had clicked me. Whether or not we have a mental disorder, we all face struggles within ourselves, and none of us are truly alone. This was the first poem I ever wrote.

3) How long have you been writing poetry?

I've been writing since 2011. Over the years, I threw away journals and deleted stories that I didn't think were good enough. It took more than a decade before I found the genre that truly spoke to me—psychological thrillers.

4) If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?

Wow... I would say the late Michael K. Williams. He was an actor best known for The Wire on HBO and his work with VICE News. He changed people's lives by shedding light on poverty and the power of second chances. He was a kind, soulful man—imperfect, but deeply human—and his legacy continues to inspire me.

5) What influenced you to submit to have your poetry performed by a professional actor?

I am high functional autistic, and people sometimes see me... as simple. But I understand what it means to navigate the world while also trying to understand myself. I wanted people to see me as equal, not defined by disability. We may not all have the same experiences or knowledge, but I believe everyone carries kindness and respect within them. Sharing that understanding—and helping others feel seen and human—is what motivated me to submit my work.

6) Do you write other works? scripts? Short Stories? Etc..?

Yes. I have three unpublished short stories and one unpublished novella that I'm currently revising. My goal is to collect all four pieces into a single volume

7) What is your passion in life?

My major is in computer science, and I want to create video games that tell powerful stories. My dream is to become a narrative designer for games—writing scripts that connect players to meaningful emotions—and eventually to own a game studio focused on authentic storytelling and creativity. Writing allows me to express how I see the world and my place in it. I'm truly grateful for this opportunity and for the actor who brought my poem to life. To anyone who feels alone, please know: you are not alone.

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POEM:

Tick, tap, tick, tap, tick, tap…,
What is that I hear,
…Tap, tick, tap, tick, tap, tick.

People eyeing me for no reason,
To feel implemented is an atrocity,
A passion had forgotten my presence.

Do I belong to their world,
Can they see how dispirited I am,
Or is it they see me as a menace?

What do they know about interaction,
One stares right in front to bring me life,
Pearl would always look at me gently.

Pearl is my only friend,
Does not leave or judge,
Couldn’t think of harsh labeling.

Pearl knows me well,
With one deep cave into nowhere,
A place of nowhere is my own comfort.

It’s me and Pearl, chair and chair, residual and love,
Kiss, kiss, kiss,
Pearl still loves me.

Tick, tap, tick, tap, tick, tap…,
Paranoia follows me everywhere,
…Tap, tick, tap, tick, tap, tick.

No contact of any person,
They see me as a muddle,
Rather than see me as considerate.

Men want to mishandle me with feeling,
Women want to avoid me in hurting pleasure,
I can only bear with nothing.

Affection is a momentum,
If they knew what it means about concerning,
I know they can’t feel what Pearl could give.

Pearl allows me to feel her,
The way she is smooth,
How calm when glistening.

Pearl’s grip is heavy,
But protective of me,
Being important as a fond.

It’s me and Pearl, chair and chair, residual and love,
Kiss, kiss, kiss,
Pearl still loves me.

Tick, tap, tick, tap, tick, tap…,
I can’t stand that sound,
…Tap, tick, tap, tick, tap, tick.

Why are they looking at me,
Am I an enemy,
Have I lost my balance.

Tick, tap, tick, tap, tick, tap…,
Is there any sanction for me,
…Tap, tick, tap, tick, tap, tick.

Please tell me, is no one helping me,
I’m not a dangerous man,
I’m confused why I live.

Tap, tick, tap, tick, tap, tick…,
Grieving… I can’t breathe,
…Tick, tap, tick, tap, tick, tap.

I love you, I don’t want to be alone,
You are my heart and my brain,
Shining for my choices of will.

Pearl do you hear me,
Why are you not responding,
Speak to me, SPEAK TO ME!

TAP, TICK, TICK, TAP, TAP, TAP…,
TICK, TAP, TAP, TAP, TICK, TICK…,
TAP, TAP, TICK, TAP, TICK, TAP!!!

…It’s me and Pearl… chair and table… residual and fate,
KISS,
Pearl has left me.