navwin » Archives » Reflections on the Web » Assignments from a High School Teacher
Reflections on the Web
Post A Reply Post New Topic Assignments from a High School Teacher Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
kaile
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Ascendant
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146
singapore

0 posted 2003-03-26 08:00 PM


Dedicated to the memory of Miss Ginger Michelle Chadwick

Assignment #1--Words Don’t Always Mean What They Say

We were used to being pampered Kings and Queens, no thanks to indulgent parents. The early school years were arduous for us, for we had to face peers who weren't necessarily adoring the ground we walked on. In fact, some were masters of the same tricks we perfected~how a charming smile became our greatest tool at our disposal, how the throwing of tantrums would make people fulfil our whims. It was hence inevitable that personalities clashed.

"I don't wanna friend you anymore," so we threatened whenever we couldn't get our way, sometimes huffing and puffing, other times shedding angry tears but adamant nonetheless that our peers were idiots. But young children's hearts aren't made to contain anger and all feuds and thoughts of seeking revenge would be promptly forgotten the next day. We would all happily get along, until the next argument arose.

During my teenage years, I came to realise that I was rather quick-thinking and possessed a sharp tongue. I thought I should spice up our lives a little by utilising my assets. Hey, life's just a game and why take it so seriously? It's all in the name of fun and laughter, right?

"I'm sorry. I was just joking" became my trade slogan but I was often criticised for being sarcastic and slammed with the sentiment: If you know you are going to apologise for the remarks you make, why utter them in the first place? The well-orchestrated laughs I thought I would induce never exactly occurred and I was only amusing myself most of the time. It took me years though before I could see their point--that "sorry" is a sacred word and no decent human would abuse it

Sometimes when I refuse to follow my mum's advice, she would exasperatingly lament to my dad about how stubborn and unfilial I am and how I won't bother to stand by her when she becomes frail and in need of my care. I used to be hurt by her callous remarks and would bury myself  forcibly in a book I'm reading, determined not to let them fall on my ears. And I definitely wouldn't give her the privilege of seeing how affected I was.

I've lived long enough to realise that many things in life aren't constant but your parents will always love you, no matter what. My mum is only expressing her affection in her own way. And these words do mean what they say.

[This message has been edited by kaile (03-27-2003 02:49 AM).]

© Copyright 2003 heng kaile - All Rights Reserved
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
1 posted 2003-03-26 08:14 PM


Kaile, I saw what you left in the Reflections Discussion forum - and came to read this.

I am so proud of you!


Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
2 posted 2003-03-26 10:41 PM


kaile,
Aha...here it is! Perfect. You have touched my heart so with a tribute to my daughter. I'm rarely speechless and am so close to being so now. What a thoughtful write. And oh so true. How I hope this makes the book.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

garysgirl
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237
Florida, USA
3 posted 2003-03-26 10:55 PM


Kaile, this is precious...the poem and the thoughts behind it. You are a very kind and tender-hearted person. I certainly hope that this gets into the book. You have my vote.

Hugs,
Ethel

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
4 posted 2003-03-26 10:59 PM


kaile..I am speechless...
and that does not happen often.
Fantastic write from a very kind hearted person.
~Hugs & a vote~

~Somewhere in my heart I'm always
dancing with you in the summer rain~

Mistletoe Angel
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
5 posted 2003-03-26 11:16 PM




(big hugggssssssss) God Bless You, sweet friend, this brought me to tears as I know Ginger will always be blessed to have you as her friend as her love will always go on just as she will always love all her family! (wipes tears) I send extra special friendship hugs your way, sweet friend, this was very thoughtful and compassionate of you to write this, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Kaile, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

SPIRIT
Senior Member
since 2002-12-29
Posts 1745
California Desert
6 posted 2003-03-26 11:21 PM


Excellent write. Happy to vote on this.

[This message has been edited by SPIRIT (03-26-2003 11:22 PM).]

kaile
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Ascendant
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146
singapore
7 posted 2003-03-27 01:02 AM


geez, i really don't deserve such fine praise..and besides, the pleasure's mine as well...i'm experiencing an emotional high both as a writer and as a person...

thanks for your reads and your support

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

8 posted 2003-03-27 07:50 AM


But young children's hearts aren't made to contain anger and all feuds and thoughts of seeking revenge would be promptly forgotten the next day.

==============================

Wise beyond your years....
this is a wonderful gifting of wisdom and words poet kaile ...
and a MUST for the book.

"and when we get to the pearly gates ...
we'll find what we called our sins were just mistakes."

Tom Kimmel


Cpat Hair
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793

9 posted 2003-03-27 10:04 AM


I'm impressed with the wisdom...and the intent of this..

you are indeed special.


Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
10 posted 2003-03-27 01:50 PM


bump
Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
11 posted 2003-03-27 02:55 PM


OK my good buddy, now you've actually made me cry again today! But for all the right reasons. This is beautiful, and I certainly hope your parents can read this one. It would be such a wonderful addition to Reflections.
christian
Member
since 2002-12-18
Posts 331

12 posted 2003-03-27 03:51 PM



prose at its finest, there's just nothing
else to it but that. tinged with wisdom
and intuition.

cool kaile, i enjoyed it.


suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
13 posted 2003-03-27 04:50 PM


Even without the dedication, I would have voted for this gladly... it's excellent!!
regards2you
Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940
California
14 posted 2003-03-28 08:31 AM



Kaile,

This is wonderful. I haven't read whatever you wrote in Reflections Discussion, which I'll go find in a moment.

This prose is from your heart to ours. Wise and insightful. Seeing your growth and maturity in a few paragraphs is testament to your ability to write well and to your kind nature and sensitivity to others. The honesty alone, in this write is worth multiple votes, and I'd do that were it possible.

Enjoyed this greatly, Hugs,  Pat

..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
        "Desiderata"

kaile
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Ascendant
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146
singapore
15 posted 2003-03-28 01:04 PM


hmm, if you guys know me in real life, "wise" will be the last word you will associate with me...i haven't really experienced major ups and downs as yet and still have plenty of growing up to do...

i thank you though for thinking that this is a fitting tribute...i was a bit concerned that it isn't....

LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
16 posted 2003-03-30 04:59 PM


Kaile - This is so insightful.  There are parts of this I see in myself.  Has your mum read this?  I wouldn't show it to her until Mother's Day.  This essay reads as well as the parable of the Prodigal Son.  Beautiful because of the reconciliation it portrays, both with your mum and with yourself.  Obviously, this deserves a vote.
Dark Angel
Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095

17 posted 2003-04-01 07:20 PM


This is indeed a must for the book. Excellent!

Maree

Mysteria
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
18 posted 2003-04-01 07:27 PM


What a precious piece you have written here young lady, and I have to tell you if you were my daughter I would sure be mighty proud of you.  Bless your heart!

     
To be hugged by a friend is wealth beyond words.

BluesSerenade
Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549
By the Seaside
19 posted 2003-04-02 09:47 PM


I'm telling you, some day my kids will learn~

Life is too short~

Good stuff kaile~

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
20 posted 2003-04-03 10:33 AM


Kaile, this compassionate and insightful write has deepened my affection for you even more...

Warm hugs, Dear One,
Linda

Bohemianaus
Member
since 2003-01-05
Posts 69
Australia (South Gippsland)
21 posted 2003-04-03 01:49 PM


This is so true. Got my vote. Nice write.

I forgot to sign this, lol - Namaste

Boh

[This message has been edited by Bohemianaus (04-03-2003 01:50 PM).]

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
22 posted 2003-04-04 10:05 PM


Even healthy bumps are contagious!

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

ecrivan
Member Elite
since 2001-12-10
Posts 3923
my own state
23 posted 2003-04-04 10:39 PM


Much in the way of wisdom prevails from the books we read and from the lives we live...you have a worthy piece of prose to be included here


waldopepper
Member
since 2003-03-18
Posts 157
Tennessee, USA
24 posted 2003-04-05 02:33 AM


Very wise reflections my friend.  Your point is well made and full of truth.  
Aimster
Member Elite
since 2000-02-19
Posts 4297
Charlotte, NC
25 posted 2003-04-05 10:43 AM


kaile,

beautiful writing deep from your heart!
i started crying halfway through reading
this...reminded me a bit of myself. I
sure hope this makes the book! this is
the stuff Passions is made about!
Again lovely lovely writing!!

take care
Amy

"love is like a butterfly--
if you chase it,
it will surely fly away,instead
hold it close and watch it grow into
something beautiful"
~me~

Sudhir Iyer
Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943
Mumbai, India : now in Belgium
26 posted 2003-04-05 11:21 AM


Excellent write, this one...

regards,
sudhir

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
27 posted 2003-04-07 09:09 PM


bumpin' up

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Reflections on the Web » Assignments from a High School Teacher

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary