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Don't let them push YOU!
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Don't let them push YOU! |
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Euclid the Kid Member
since 2000-07-15
Posts 51Eugene,Oregon |
Why is the pull of peers so strong, more oft' than not t'ward the wrong? why must it like a great magnet feel, and our pride as hearts of steel? I've felt the tug,I've felt the pull, which led me to act out the fool. I shutter to think of the things I've done, blindly egged on by someone! Let me share an incident with you, to illustrate- this cycle cruel of how things can get outa' hand, (that peer pressure thing, I understand.) It all started out innocent enough, just a bunch of guys talkin' tough. but the stakes were raised with each one, we didn't want to be outdone! Adding to the brag-fest there, I said I didn't have a care-- having no fear, from a dare I didn't back down, I though that sounded pretty profound. But little did I realize, I'd soon have to eat my lies and it was a friend of mine who called my bluff, about words I thought made me tough. Rusty said, "Hey Dean, I know, how yourself a man can show-- try Bungee Jumping, that's a manly sport, but you, my friend, don't seem that sort!" To my pride , it was a direct hit, to challenge me--then suppose I'd quit. not man enough? is that what he thought, I'd have to answer this challenge he'd brought! I said,(half-thinking,it would ever happen), "sure, anytime!" his enthusiam to dampen how was I to know there was a place in the state, Even outa' Portland-that Bungee tower did await! "Okay it's a deal," Rusty said with a smile, there's a place not far--only a few miles. all the guys agreed, If I jumped, they'd pay, this was not turning out to be my day! But what can you do,back down in disgrace-- let them see "LIAR" written all over my face? no, I brought this on by my Macho stance, I'd have to see it through-it was my only chance! "Let me call home first, tell 'em I'm goin' to Joe's, 'cause this is one of those things,they don't need to know, I was wishing they'd tell me I must go home now, but they said don't hurry-it's meatloaf night anyhow! Now the stage was set- kinda' like a gilliotine, How did I get in this mess? there's no way out it seemed. So we piled into Jimbo's truck and headed for the site, I was a prisoner of my pride--my fear I tried to hide. Usually such a drive would seem a long time comming, but we were there in a flash, my mind started numbing I don't have to pay the cost,but the price I sure was paying, and I'll tell you honestly-I even started praying! for I had never done such, and really had no desire, but they just kept pushing me,and setting me on fire! I'll go throught with this, even if it kills me, Good thing I'm not afraid of heights-I hope that they don't spill me. Just my luck, no waiting line, No one for me to watch, nor much time to decline before I knew it,the harness they were strapping, I was scared ****less-though I covered it with laughing. They gave me instructions, not a word did I hear, I was too busy thinking, "what am I doing here?" I could still back out-but I'd have to find new friends, I couldn't stand the hazing-it I put this to an end. Thus came my Moment of Truth-laying it on the line, it seemed to me like dying, as to my fate I resigned. an awkward backward falling, a moment of weighty rush and with that sinking feeling,some how I would be crushed! I know my friends were cheering, and maybe laughing inside, "Look what we made Dean do, hey it was worth it guys!" but then the cord's elastic, tugged upward to my relief, my fears gave way to hope-I may yet live the life I seek! Thus bouncing in suspension, I motioned I'd had enough, this David had met his Goliath-enough with being tough! And when I get my feet back on solid ground, I'll have to do things different--my pride almost brought me down. A life and death ordeal, it so proved to be, 'cause when my folks found out, they were so displeased-- they said, "Son, if you EVER do something Stupid like this again, don't worry about the rope snapping--'cause we'll surely do you in!" I know I've rambled on and on, but I think it should be said, Please learn from my stupidity, be smart instead of dead! choose wisely your decisions, don't be pushed to play the fool, be free to choose thje right thing, then follow your own rules. I'm kinda glad I did it, but I'm also glad it's o'er, something I can talk about--but never do once more. I'm on a different course now, forget the macho stuff, I like me as I am, morer tender, than dumb tough! |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
It seems you came upon a situation that made you realize that pride and ego are not the most important things in life! Seems a lesson well learned! Denise |
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BSC
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-02-04
Posts 2919New York, USA |
Hey Euclid, Sounds like a hard way to learn a lesson, but it sure sounds like you did learn from it. And you have written so well of it too, pulled me in and had me right from the start. Nice job! Bonnie |
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Alle'cram Senior Member
since 2000-02-28
Posts 1816Texas |
Euclid, Your witty attitude in writing this important message made it enjoyable to read. You kept it light but emphasis placed on something so very important. Not just for young people, for the oldies too, self included. Your not only a gifted writer but one willing to share a hard lesson learned. Keep sharing your gifts, your great! Marcy |
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dgvarner Member Elite
since 2000-05-13
Posts 3552High Springs, Florida |
euclid..i must tell you..my heart stopped just before you jumped!! and as you dangled there--i'm sure i didnt breathe! great writing..caught me right up in it.. btw..i think macho went out with bungee jumping  "tender" is good--be who you are..  dg "Half of what i say is meaningless; but i say it so that the other half may reach you." -Kahlil Gibran |
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kelieth Member
since 2000-06-12
Posts 314Normal IL - USA |
I seem to see what you mean I too played the fool it seemed Thus I concure it's not worth Your life to pride yourself on earth. Great message I hope more see Maybe they won't the next fool be. Kevin "Anything is possible with patience, time is the tool use it to reach your goals." |
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ellie LeJeune Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156King of Prussia, PA USA |
Wow, Euclid, You have some great talent here! I, too, was spellbound from beginning to end. You seemed to have learned a great lesson. Let's hope your poem helps others, before they have to learn the hard way. ellie Summers haunting melody that awakens the butterflies, calling them to join the dance in their silent song of praise to God. eL |
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Dennis L. White Senior Member
since 2000-02-17
Posts 1463Michigan, U.S.A. |
Dean, Peer pressure can be deadly! I'm glad you made it through this ordeal to realize that there are more important things in life than being something you are not to please so-called friends. A lesson learned and a lesson shared that others may learn form your experience. Well written narrative! Dennis :^) |
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Lakewalker Member Elite
since 2000-08-05
Posts 3289On the streets w/ people |
What a well written story you've told through this poem! As everyone else said, glad you made it through and learned a lesson Keep up the great work! |
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deleeme Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 1766NEW ENGLAND, USA |
This is a wonderfully told account with a good message too! Keep them coming "Kid". David "GOD GIVES- but man must open his hand." (German Proverb) |
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