Open Poetry #22 |
the Small One |
Magicmystery Senior Member
since 2002-02-13
Posts 821Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
The Small One Our newest neighbours of the park, Moved in while it was still dark. The rising sun broke dawn with light. As darkness retreated in blinded fright. The new house shone in the golden sun, Coaxing, calling the small one. Big blue eyes with a steady stair, Little boy grin and light brown hair. His parents sent him to the playground, But the children gave him cold frowns, Laughed at his slightly oversized ears, Called him harsh names and yelled out jeers. He didn't run but tried to defend, Himself in courage and find a friend. The bully stepped out from the crowd, Then the chant rose high and loud. "Kill, fight!" was the children's shout "Kill the small one, knock him out." In falling once, he hit his head, Silent, still, he lay there dead. All the children but one ran. This one buried half in sand, Had tried to be the small one's friend Instead was held to watch the end. **************************************************** Cruel children of the park. Dare you come out before dark Doing your dammage now in the bright sun. Do not take another small one. Sherry Gardner Note: I wrote this poem over 22 years ago as I was exiting elementary school..... Our family had been the new ones in the neighbourhood many times as we moved a great deal. This poem is a fiction although it has it's foundations in some cold hard facts. In today's society, one would hope that there would be more acceptance of our differences in that it is what makes us uniquely human. It is sad that our children emulate what is worst of our traits: Intollerance, injustice, cruelty. They did not learn these things on their own. The blank slates we give birth to are one day reflections of their own treatment.... by us and by others. This is where social change needs to start... to prevent incidents like school killings, teens and pre teens killing their parents, suicides among our youth and gang related violence, I could go on..... Love, Light and peace Sherry |
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© Copyright 2002 Sherry Lynn Gardner - All Rights Reserved | |||
EarthenSoul Member
since 2002-05-30
Posts 163WA, USA |
*sniffle, sniffle* This is oh so sad, but I hear you true! It is such an injustice that we teach our children to judge and hate. We all need to learn to appreciate the beauty in diversity. Bless you. |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
(big hugggssssss) Oh Sherry, I know this feeling ever so well because when I was a little boy, I too was abused all the time by boys my own age because they said I was too girlish and short. (wipes tears) My heart goes out to all children who experience this and I wish for them all to get the love and attention they need, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Sherry, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Children can be so cruel.. Well said my friend. ~Hugs, Nancy~ ~ Time has cast a spell on you |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Very sad tale. My biggest hope is that someday there will be NO bigotry or prejudice. This made me think. Thank you. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Sad but true, that oftentimes children emulate the very worst of human behavior. And it really does always start in our own backyards, the way we treat our family and neighbors says much about how we will treat those neighbors across the seas. The hand of Peace should always be the one used first. |
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