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Open Poetry #46
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LindsayP
Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria

0 posted 2010-05-10 09:16 PM



This poem is a repost, I hope you like it.
            DISCIPLINE

What is wrong with the world today
That society is so riddled with strife,
With rape and murder, bashings and theft,
It’s becoming a hazardous way of life.

As moral fibre of society disintegrates,
It’s becoming a harder battle to win,
It seems the only way to right the wrongs
Is to bring back strict discipline.

I went to school in those depression years,
Mischevious, though never a dunce,
I remember when my father spoke to me,
He spoke to me only once.

So that I wouldn’t hasten his wrath
I immediately done as was told,
I was raised in a family that was loving and kind,
An environment more precious than gold.

While in the school room every day
The teacher had strict defenses,
Should your conduct be lacking in grace
You suffered the consequences.

Nearly every teacher had a strap
And nearly all were ready to use it,
If you were unwilling to abide by the rules,
Peace of mind, you were liable to loose it.

You’ve all had experience with unruly kids,
Who on your furniture they continue to trample
They not only need discipline to show them what’s right,
They need to be shown by example.

Graffiti and vandalism was nearly unknown
And your car there was no need to lock,
Your house was as safe as a vault in a bank,
Oh, if we could only turn back the clock.

Today a lot of parents are losing control,
For on chastisement most seem to frown,
Children run riot and do as they please,
Makes me wonder just who is the clown.

If human conduct continues it’s spiral downhill,
I just shudder to think what is in store,
It’s not hard to see what the outcome will be
When discipline flies out the door

© Copyright 2010 Lindsay P Wilson - All Rights Reserved
Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
1 posted 2010-05-10 10:22 PM


As an elementary school teacher, there is much to appreciate here... style and form, substance and message. I'm not all for having a strap in the classroom, but I do wish parents would be more supportive and hold their children responsible. There just doesn't seem to be any real consequences, short of jail or death. By then it is just too late. Thanks for the repost.

"We'll chase them like rats across the tundra."

deleeme
Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 1766
NEW ENGLAND, USA
2 posted 2010-05-11 07:28 AM


You have spoken well on thesubject and the need to the return of the practice of discipline today.  Tough love is not easy-- but the easy way out, so often taken leads as you say to that downward spiral of disaster.
When will we wake up? When will our country, schools and homes come to their senses?  Wityh out disciple and respect for authority-- we have nothing!
Good read!
   David

I thank the LORD everyday
He has given me something to say
And to share with others,
My Friends, my sisters, my brothers!

To God Be the Glory!

Namyh
Senior Member
since 2009-01-20
Posts 988

3 posted 2010-05-11 07:32 PM


LindsayP - It reads like an arrow on its way to a target and hitting the bullseye. Well written, captivating and stays in the mind. What's to be done about discipline? One thing I suggest. Have the parents stop making the TV or the Computer baby sit the kids. Love your work here LP. I believe in the old ways too. They worked. Namyh
Earl Brinkman
Senior Member
since 2010-03-03
Posts 1183
Osaka, Japan
4 posted 2010-05-11 11:10 PM


Your poems as always are well written and leave a strong impression upon the reader.  As a teacher myself I don`t think that a strap in the classroom is the answer but growing up I was taught to listen and respect my elders.  They may not have used a strap but they had other ways of punishing me when I got out of line.  I think the worst punishment that I received was being sent up to my room and told not to do or say anything.  Boredom nearly killed me and I spent many a minute peeling the wallpaper but Dad never got angry about that!
LindsayP
Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria
5 posted 2010-05-11 11:17 PM



To Andrew, Deleeme and Namph, thank you so much for your interesting answers.
When I was a lad my father spoke to me only once when I was misbehaving, If I stopped what I was doing, nothing more was said, but if I didn't stop he would give me a cuff under my ear, bringing all misbehavior to a sudden stop, but if I did as he asked there was no further trouble and we were a happy familly once again. I went to a small country school and was often in other people's homes and the discipline in those homes was just the same as in ours. Without
exception we all grew to adulthood without anyone going to gaol or getting into serious trouble. My wife and I have raised five children and none of them have been in any trouble either. If a child is shown some discipline right from when they are a baby, they are so much easier to help in their teenage years. If children are shown plenty of love and discipline as they grow up, there wouldn't be a fraction of the strife that society face today. Sorry that I have waffled on a bit but it is something all parents should learn. I know there are exceptions to the rule, as there are in all things but we have to accept that.

Thanks again.

Lindsay

LindsayP
Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria
6 posted 2010-05-11 11:23 PM



Thank you Earl for your response as well
but you popped up on PIP while I was

writing my response so please consider yourself in that reply. Take care my friend.

Lindsay

whisperingwalt
Member
since 2010-04-29
Posts 240
Coquitlam, BC, Canada
7 posted 2010-05-12 01:13 AM


Well written and well said.WW
threadbear
Senior Member
since 2008-07-10
Posts 817
Indy
8 posted 2010-05-12 01:08 PM


Without fail, your writings that are closest to your heart, show clearly an ink of blood.
Jeff

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
9 posted 2010-05-15 02:23 PM


quote:
They need to be shown by example.



That's the key to the solution, dear Lindsay.

You are so right with your ponderings. Nothing goes without discipline, accompanied by love.

Love,
Margherita

Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
10 posted 2010-05-15 04:57 PM


Yo Lindsay,

And here we have yet another bleat from the Aussie Ann Landers.

Bobby

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