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Open Poetry #7
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Daisychains and Popsicles
| Open Poetry #7 |
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Daisychains and Popsicles |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California 
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DAISYCHAINS & POPSICLES I don't fit well in this world of plastic, My skin is flesh, and well that's quite drastic. Everyone just shakes there head when I bruise. So I keep quiet, don't utter a word, For who really heeds what a child's proffered, Who knows, maybe you will when I make the news. This is not really happening you see, If you won't acknowledge it, then how can it be? When you hear the screams, just turn up your radio. Life is popsicles and daisychains, How can it hurt if we hide all the pains. Meanwhile anger's seed has started to grow. Now quite frankly I mean no disrespect, After all love to me is abuse and neglect, But you've ignored me yet expect me to learn from you? Well really I have, I've learned NOTHING matters. Because with a gun, even plastic shatters. I've brought one to school, now maybe you'll listen too. There he is, the child of plastic mom one, And the girl raped by dad, while family looked on, Now which of these, I wonder, really matters to you. No, I've planned and plotted, picked my targets just right, Now, just remember when turn on your T.V. tonight... Once upon a time my skin was like plastic too! Michael Anderson [This message has been edited by Michael (edited 04-22-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 2000 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
I don't mean this too offend anyone, but we mourn over high school shootings, yes? So why turn our heads to children who cry out? We refuse to acknowledge their pain. Then shake our head in anger and outrage when they grow up to epitomize what society teaches them. We want the problems to go away. It will never happen till we acknowledge that WE are part of the problem. We don't have to take the hand to the child. We don't have to molest the child. But in ignoring it, are we not doing equal damage to a fragile young minds. When will we as a society, wake up? Michael |
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Mistikman Senior Member
since 2000-01-10
Posts 682San Jose, CA, USA |
Its so sad how society deflects the blame until it is someone else's problem, then blames those same people when something finally gives... And whats even worse, is that because of all the blame shifting those crying out just feel more righteous when they demonize those they believe are wrong, so therefore have no incentive to change. Excellent work on the poem Michael, it speaks some profound truths. |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Profound. I followed a woman out of a grocery store while my husband called the police..she was slapping her child in the middle of the store...I tried to get her license plate number but could not. A few years later, I lived across an apartment complex from a woman who thought teaching her kids not to play with matches would stop if she burned them with a cigarette lighter...I called Child Protective Services. Nothing happened. Later, we heard crying in the night..another young couple left their baby asleep on the couch while they went out drinking. Called the police but the parents came home before the police arrive. I will never close my eyes or ears to anyone being abused..young, old, man, woman, animal...it's not in me to turn away.... |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Michael, I work with kids like this every day. My current tutoree is no longer allowed on school property (since the 8th grade) for having a (BB) gun in his possession on the grounds... What are the answers? We haven't even figured out all the questons yet... |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Michael, with all due respect to you as a person and your writing abilities, let me state for the record that I do not: (1) refuse to acknowledge a child's pain (2) take a hand to a child (3) molest a child (4) damage a childs' mind (5) turn my head to children who cry out (6) accept part of the blame for those who do I humbly exclude myself from the "we" you refer to. |
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Jeffrey Carter
since 2000-04-08
Posts 2367State of constant confusion! |
Micheal, My friend you have certainly struck a nerve here . I can tell you as a survivor that a BIG part of the problem sometimes is the fact that even when the kids do tell someone about it that person doesn't believe them or doesn't want to get involved. You are right. We as a society have got to open our eyes and take a look at the world around us. This problem will not go away on it's own. Jeffrey |
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Irie Senior Member
since 1999-12-01
Posts 1493Washington State |
I can't get started or I'll never shut up! Let me just say Michael that I agree with you 100%! Something has to be done, and now. Parenting, schools, society.....all need to do something! Standing there in shock and asking "how could this happen" does nothing! PdV.....I feel that CPS is completely worthless! They do nothing when it's needed, and get involved when it's not! All together, mean, ignorant and stupid people shouldn't breed....Just my 2 cents worth!!! |
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Sally S. Senior Member
since 1999-06-07
Posts 847Ohio |
Wow, Michael...I'd have to say that this is a very powerful statement here. I don't turn a blind eye...though I can't help everyone either. I do the very best I can and try to instill in my children values, faith, hope and LOVE. I wish we all could "fix it"...not sure it can be done. Not enough faith, hope and LOVE in the world, I suppose. Looks to me as though you've had a sort of awakening yourself...or perhaps my interpretation is WAY off. (which is quite possible) Powerful and thought provoking, Michael. My, I missed this place. |
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Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
I am not we and I do what I can. Let me leave it at that.  |
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Aimster Member Elite
since 2000-02-19
Posts 4297Charlotte, NC |
-michael this was profound and thought provoking just as the rest of your work is. i as a future social worker and child protective services worker will do my very best to help children. i have already had some run-ins with my agency about what is cause to report and to be investigated and not. i ride on the side of it's better to safe than sorry...my agency doesn't always seem to agree. however i wont stop fighting for what i believe in. i believe that if we all pull together as a society we can beat this. the question is do "we" really want to? take care, amy ~Live today as though it were your last but prepare for tomorrow as though it were here~ |
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mariee66 Senior Member
since 2000-01-30
Posts 596Recess, OfYourMind |
I must say, I am shocked at some of the responses. I am with Balladeer completely. As for PDV...I think you really need to know the circumstances behind the actions. Why was the woman slapping her child? SOME people do use that type of discipline, and that is not abuse. My brother, who is a minister, uses physical discipline when necessary on his children. He is not afraid to use it in public, when it is warrented. He IS NOT an abusive father. The couple that went out w/o their child...how do you know they didn't have a monitor/speaker with them? I know of friends who have done this, when they wouldn't be far from home. True, we must keep our eyes open...I tend to fully examine the situation, and then make a judgement call. Of course...I'm not trying to anger anyone either. If I have, that was not my intention. Marie~ |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
This is for Mariee66 - I know a disciplinary smack when I see one..and I know that woman wasn't doing that.. And there is NO excuse for leaving a child home alone..no matter WHERE you are... |
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mariee66 Senior Member
since 2000-01-30
Posts 596Recess, OfYourMind |
I wasn't there...I wouldn't know about the smacking incident. Some people DO overreact when they see a parent doing the disciplinary thing. Again, that's a judgement call based on what you can gather from the situation. The later...well, it's all a matter of opinion. (age of the child is another deciding factor) Like I said, it was not my intention to create anger. |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
This is not really happening you see, If you won't acknowledge it, then how can it be? When you hear the screams, just turn up your radio. Life is popsicles and daisychains, How can it hurt if we hide all the pains. Meanwhile anger's seed has started to grow. Now quite frankly I mean no disrespect, After all love to me is abuse and neglect, But you've ignored me yet expect me to learn from you? Well really I have, I've learned NOTHING matters. Because with a gun, even plastic shatters. I've brought one to school, now maybe you'll listen too. --------------- M, on another one of your poems... I said I wanted to kiss your muse... for this one I wish to kiss the poet. (you can pick which cheek)  thank you for this poem. ------------ Im very saddened by some of the replies and reactions that have come to be in here in the last days...I'm MOST saddened by the way we suddenly seem to be picking sides and dividing off here. NO ONE IS RIGHT and NO ONE IS WRONG. I think we all need to take a deep breath and rememeber something... WE ALL have managed to maintain a VERY high level of RESPECT for each other in here... and that should NEVER change... regardless of the emotional effect of a topic. We have always been SO supportive and kind to each other in the past... PLEASE lets not let that become lost in this very emotional issue... We all have our own ways of healing and coping...be it our poems...or our laughter or even our silence... lets not ever allow anything to divide us or cause us to forget our love and respect for each other. This is a very special place... I love you all...HAPPY EASTER. with MUCH respect...Janet Marie |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
I thank God for the loving, caring people who help children everyday and go unrecognized, and sometimes unappreciated, teachers, nurses, and doctors who live with it. They work in silence. You don't hear about them on the evening news, only the ones who weren't there. this piece reflects that and is needed, If someone doesn't protect them they will be the ones taking care of us in our nursing homes and then....we will be the ones waiting for the glass of water in the middle of the night...or a nightlight to keep the ghosts away. It all comes around doesn't it? Kathleen |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Michael~ While I'm also not a part of the 'we' who either perpetrate or ignore the abuse of children ... I certainly recognize the fact that it exists. Children do cry out ... they are most often not heard or ignored if they are heard ... they do need for us to be more diligent in our observations and to take action on their behalf. I feel so strongly on this issue and will continue to say that the people who do see abuse MUST get involved. Poignant piece, Michael. I believe the majority of the responses are indicative of our concerns. I personally would intervene on the behalf of any child, elderly person or any human being who I felt was being abused or neglected. I have done so and will do so again. Also I will continue to ask specific questions of my elected officials on their stand on punishment for specific crimes against children. And I will vote my conscience and take those elected officials to task if their voting records on child-abuse and elderly abuse issues do not conform to their promises. Thank you for your views in this poem. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Michael it's good that you speak out like this. I agree with you 100%. Kids cry out, and they also need other voices to speak out for them. There is just too much abuse in the world. As there is people over reacting to what they think is abuse too. I think children should be disciplined, and I think a lot of people today are afraid to do that for fear of ending up in jail, and then the kids run amuck and out of control. But for those who are being abused, it's a sad, sad situation. I know of one who was being abused and Child Services checked it out and let it go...the person ended up killing his foster grandparents. (though they aren't the ones who abused him) |
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Marina Member Elite
since 2000-02-10
Posts 2245Pickering, Ontario |
Michael what can I say that I haven't already posted to you over the last couple of days. You know where I stand on this and I you. I do believe we have made a difference and that is all that matters my friend. You have my full support. Marina |
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Irie Senior Member
since 1999-12-01
Posts 1493Washington State |
I can not believe what I have read here!  First of all, when Michael says "We", I'm sure he was speaking of society in general, you know, sort of like a figure of speech! I certainly am NOT part of "We", but I did NOT take offense to it! I was smart enough to know that he wasn't directing this at me! I really doubt he was attacking anyone personally. He even stated he wasn't trying to offend anyone.....so why were you offended? Did he stike a nerve???? And as far as the attacks go from reply to reply....My goodness! What is happening here. I used to like this place but now I'm not so sure any more. Let me sink down a level here now..................... Since we are slinging mud here, let me ask this........For those of you that are so upset with this post, what have you done to help lately? Soooo...if I have pissed anyone off...terribly sorry! Ban me from passions, do what you like. If this is the kind of activity that is going to happen here....I could give a crap if I'm here or not!!!I'm glad that Janet Marie could say her peace in a nicer manner than I could! And she is right....this is SAD! |
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ESP Member Elite
since 2000-01-25
Posts 2556Floating gently on a cloud.... |
I am with Janet Marie on this one...don't let one issue-painful though it may be-divide this family. I cannot say it more beautifully than she has already done. Passions is our family, Love and respect is our way. Everyone has an opinion, Don't try to change that today. Anger won't solve the issue, Neither will forcing beliefs. These things will surely bring To this wonderful forum hurt and grief. Let us not be divided...together we must stand. Come on everyone...lets hold hands. Peace? Love and hugs to all of you wonderful people, Lizzie Happy Easter to one and all! "Poetry is the true expression of my soul, it is my ultimate means of communication. It is my rainbow of delight." |
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poetFemmeFatale Member Elite
since 1999-07-25
Posts 2646Arkansas |
Wow Michael, what a statement you leave here! I'll just add my 2 cents here and say, discipline is necessary, but it's suppose to be done in "love"...not anger. I occasionally swat my kids if nothing else seems to get through to them. (time-outs etc.) but it is never done anywhere other than the behind. A parent who smacks a kid around on the face, the head - is that love? Or is the parent acting out, and actually acting worse than the child? I sit my son down, tell him what he's done wrong, and then he gets a swat, followed by a hug, to remind him I DO love him. That to me, is loving discipline. Kids aren't punching bags - there is an appropriate way to do it. As far as leaving a child unattended, well, that just bothers me terribly. No matter what age, how can you "see" through a monitor or speaker, and know they're safe and not getting into something? (matches, medicine cabinet, Guns?) Even an older child can explore "quietly". Sorry, but I don't agree there...No trip is more important than a child's safety. And no monitor is a better parent than the parent himself/herself. Each to his own, I suppose, but wow. (shaking head) Very interesting to see the many different views in here! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
OK, Irie, since you've asked, I'll tell you what I have done lately. As a member of the local police department for quite a few years, I had more than my share of exposure to child abuse cases, many of which you can believe me when I say you don't want to hear about them. I went out of my way on many occasions to protect the welfare and rights of all children involved at the risk of my own career. Mike, I'm sure, has even more experience than I in fighting for children's rights. I am a member in good standing with the Moose Fraternal Organization which was primarily created to help abused and needy children. All of the dues paid and the money raised by organizational fund-raisers goes to fund two very important places - Moosehart, a city near Aurora, Illinois currently houses more than 800 children who are victims of abuse, divorce, death or despair and Moosehaven, which is a similar city for the elderly, also in desparate need.I am very active and work very hard in the fund-raising issues for these two wonderful places. Do I get offended when I see the words "we are part of the problem"? Yes, I'm afraid I do. You say that society is being referred to, not individual people. What in the world do you think society is made of? We have many people, I am sure, who work very hard in the areas of child abuse...Marge, Mike and others I'm not even aware of. Child abuse does not exist because we allow it to exist. Murder does not exist because we allow it to exist. Child abuse exists because EVIL exists....period. Always has and always will. Some of us try to do our part. Some of us just sit back and scream "When is somebody going to do something about it?" My "ruffled feathers" have nothing to do with Michael. From everything I know about him, he is a decent, moral and sincere individual and a wonderful father to his child. I only take exception to the choice of words, which is my right to do so. I've got enough guilty things on my concience without having another one heaped on there, especially if I feel it is undeserved. I do agree that the poetry site would be a much nicer place if topics, which are known in advance will be controversial and cause dissention, could be avoided but that's not gonna happen so we have to learn to accept that this is clashing of ideas and ideals is going to happen and accept it....unfortunately. Most of us, Irie, can do that without sarcasm or personal attacks. |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
This reply is in response to Irie's posting. I found no fault with Michael's loving attention to the issue of child abuse .. I read it, understood it and applaud it. I, like Balladeer, do NOT feel that I am among the 'we' who are part of the society that ignores the children of need. I believe that Balladeer stated that quite firmly and with justification. I think I did also. What have I done lately ? I mentor three children from abused homes on a daily basis. I work with the local school system to find mentors for other children in need. I attend weekly meetings with teens who are not abused so that they can be brought into the circle to help identify those being abused. I work with a church group that brings these children into our ministry. I visit weekly with patients in a nursing home as they too are susceptible to abuse. I work with the local police/sheriff's department to take children into my home who have been removed from situations of abuse. I HUG - I GIVE - I CARE No one was taking exception to the purpose of Michael's post. Balladeer was adamant about not being included in the 'we' to which Michael referred. That is his right and I believe his track record more than speaks for itself in his work with troubled children. Have a nice day ... unless you have other plans. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Irie Senior Member
since 1999-12-01
Posts 1493Washington State |
OK OK OK..................... Let me apologize! I'm sorry! It's hard to *hear* tones of voices in writing!...I missread some of your responses. I guess I failed to see this from the other side of the tracks. Meaning;.... For those of you who ARE doing something, and a lot of something, I can now see how you would want to be excluded from "WE"! Maybe I wasn't upset by "WE", because I'm not doing enough!  *Slinging mud now in own face* Maybe it's time I do more!!!!! Bottom line, I'm saying I'm sorry to all of you now! I hope you can accept! And Marge, I do have other plans........ *Kicking self in butt* Marge and Balladeer, please check your mail. ~Sheri [This message has been edited by Irie (edited 04-23-2000).] |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Irie~ Atta girl ! And thanks for the apology to others. *Turn around .. I'll help.  Great to have you here and no one stands so tall as those who have fallen to their knees ! Now ... HAVE A GREAT DAY ! ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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mariee66 Senior Member
since 2000-01-30
Posts 596Recess, OfYourMind |
WELLL...I'm reading the posts here agian. Lots of confusion... I, too, do not idly sit by and wait for someone to do some thing. I work with People Places, near where I live. They place children of abuse, or who are "at risk", into foster homes or with mentors. I do dog rescue work--breed specific. I am not offended by Irie's remarks, or this poem, or anyone else's response. If I have been testy, I will apologize. I really like this forum, and want no ill will. Marie~ |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Irie, no offence taken, believe me. You are obviously very sincere or you would not have acted so strongly. I'm very happy to know you and would always prefer to be on your good side. Marie...testy? You kidding? You are a sweetheart and everybody knows it. I would never take your words in the wrong light. I want you here..... |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
I should state for the record that, indeed, the "we" I was speaking of was society as a whole. Surely though are those who would not be included in that statement, but in my opinion, I think I speak for the overwhelming majority of the population in this case. I should hope that most of us are in line with Balladeer's first five points. So far as #6, I do all I can to bring child abuse into a spotlight, but in my mind, so long as one child is still being abused, I will not be doing enough. Again, that is just my opinion. Nan asks what are the answers, I have not the answers, I only know the answers are not going to be found by avoiding the issues. The gist of this poem was to show a combination of evils that exist in our society. One of them being "looking the other way". Johnny draws a picture at school - teacher throws it away. "Good boys don't draw like that Johnny." Picture was a man beating a child. Johnny gets reprimanded for crying out. Somebody dropped the ball...and it happens everyday and a HUGE scale, by teachers, by law enforcement, by counselors, by relatives. What happens to Johnny when there is no where left to turn? There's many options, yet very few good ones. Balladeer, I want to say first that I fully respect your opinion, (as well as every opinion voiced here). I also commend you on your statements. I only wish I had found someone as trustworthy to confide in as a child. But in knowing now your first hand dealings with abuse, I truly don't understand why you wouldn't want more of a voice to be heard here. I know we all want a place to go and be happy. But many of us still need to be taught what happiness is. I came here a very sad man. I would not be here today if I was not taken in and shown love from all of you. But even today, it's still a healing process. I can't sugarcoat reality and just write happy poems every day. For those people who can, I applaud them, almost envy them. But don't those who can't still have a right to be heard? In saying we don't want those type of poems here - it's almost like adding shame to shame. And personally, I've had more shame than any one person ever should in a lifetime. I wish to thank each and all of you for your comments, and insights, and especially Balladeer, Marge, Irie, and Marina for being so willing to speak up for what you believed. Sincerely, Michael [This message has been edited by Michael (edited 04-24-2000).] |
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wayoutwalt Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 4870TEXAS (it's all big) |
i'm that guy that always says something stupid yuh or insignificant at the wrong time but yuh i liked the poem yuh thats all |
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Lost Dreamer Member Elite
since 1999-06-20
Posts 2464Somewhere near the Rainbow |
I was not gonna respond to this poem myself because I did not respond to any of the other's and felt it would be unfair of me, but after reading all the comments here and feel it touching my soul, and know that most reading this read my poem that was so misunderstood, that I feel like leaving Open, but hopefully I can come to terms with it all. I think maybe this all bothers me so cause I don't do enough, to be honest I don't do anything, I guess cause I don't know where I would begin. I am not a strong person, actually I am rather weak that's why I write of happy to try and keep myself there, I could write dark and I'd be there and not get out again. I'll be honest lately I feel I am falling in a pit, and seeing poems about abuse just make it worse for me. I guess I have my own problems to deal with lately so how can I even help someone else if I can't help myself? If I am drowning I'm no good to someone else. So I guess when I see all this poetry about helping other's I feel guilty because I am not strong enough and don't know if I ever will be to go out and make a stand. I'm just me a person who wants to love what I can and do the best I can for people within my capabilities. I am sorry I am just too an emotional person to go face to face with abuse, I would be no good to anyone if all I did was cry. I'm sorry if I am a let down to society, maybe one day I will get stronger and be able to face these issues, until then I really wish you could forgive those of us that just can't do it. Now I'm sure I'm gonna hear you can if you want too, and that may be true, but I am not perfect, I am just me, and me is weak. It's hard enough writing this through the tears cause I feel like I'm useless in all the eyes here. I don't know what else to say really just know I am a person who has faith in God and at least prays for all humankind no matter what their circumstances may be. I am a person who tries to show love and happiness, but is failing now because she is part of the society that does nothing but pray. Michael God bless you, I do understand what your poem is saying, and my response is not an attack on you, I am really just trying to be understood myself, I feel everyone took me as a monster in my poem and I think you know this is not true for you know me deeper then most here. I am not offended with anyone except maybe myself for not being more than I am. |
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CMGrimm Senior Member
since 2000-02-14
Posts 685USA |
Dreamer....u are a very special person...don't ever forget that. No, everyone can't get out and take an ACTIVE part in stopping child abuse, (such as working with the children one-on-one and such) but we as humans can treat each child we come into contact with as a real person....show them ALL respect. If each and everyone of us together can do that then we are doing more as a whole than any dozen or so can do as a group. No one is looking down on you for what you've said or done Dreamer...you are a person and have the right to your own opinion and your own happiness. And WE all respect that. Im sorry...I usually don't commment to such controversial threads but this one seems to have gotten a little out of hand...let's stop pointing fingers and keep doing what is right...what we all know how to do...let's all just write. sorry.. chris Never be a carbon copy of anybody...make your own impressions. - ANON. |
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CMGrimm Senior Member
since 2000-02-14
Posts 685USA |
btw...beautifully touching poetry Micheal... It seems that sometimes the artistry can be overshadowed by the message.... chris Never be a carbon copy of anybody...make your own impressions. - ANON. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
As my final entry on this matter, I would like to say this. I do understand, Michael, that not all poems can be about happiness and light and such. There is a real world out there with real issues that must be addressed from time to time. Poets and writers have made big differences in history by bringing subjects to light and exposing them that other people would just as soon close their eyes and pretend they don't exist. I applaud your, and anyone's efforts, to do so. In fact, you personally would be my first choice based on your writing ability and passion. My problem is not with the subject matter. I would welcome a poem that says child abuse is real...let's work to gether to stop it...but not one that says child abuse is real...and it's OUR fault. Maybe my mind goes back many years to sitting at the dinner table while my mother screams "There are people starving in Africa!", trying to get me to eat the broccoli, as if it were my fault those people were starving. I do not feel kindly toward things which try to shame me with guilt if I feel it is unjustified. I know you didn't mean me personally, or anyone personally but WE covers all of us indirectly. Again, I applaud your efforts to speak of issues important to you and I continue to hold you in the deepest respect, my thin skin notwithstanding |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
Funny, I thought we would be done with this after my last comment. But I would have to say, Balladeer, that first of all this is the only abuse poem I've seen that has implied it to be "our" fault. Second, this poem came only after whispers surfaced that open forum was no place to have the child abuse poems. People who sweep abuse issues under the carpet, (for any reason), ARE part of the problem. Third, I posted this poem to prevent just that from happening if at all possible, after much thinking on the matter, I felt I really had no choice. I felt I had to try and let those doing the whispering KNOW they were part of the problem, whether they chose to open their eyes to it or not. Again, no disrespect meant to anybody personally. Michael [This message has been edited by Michael (edited 04-24-2000).] |
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Cassanova Junior Member
since 2000-04-12
Posts 39Turlock, Ca. |
"Life is like a box of chocolates..." (Daisychains and Popsicles...) I don't know whether to smile or cry Michael. Smile for your strength and imagination; Cry for the thoughts which spawned this. Live large m'man! |
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