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Ugly Bike

 

I want you to have an ugly bike.

 

One that you are ashamed of -
with rusted pedals and broken spokes
that will never make snapping noises
with playing cards woven between them
like the rest of the neighborhood kids.

 

I want you to have an ugly bike.

 

One that wobbles side to side
when you try to go faster -
like little old ladies in crosswalks,
arms full of groceries and arthritis
at busy intersections.

 

I want you to have an ugly bike.

 

One that throws you off
and gives you a forehead scab
when you push the brakes too hard,
like broken race horses
tired of being kicked in the side.

 

I want you to have an ugly bike.

 

A screaming banshee
when you turn bent handle bars.
I want it to wail and screech
a constant reminder to you
of how much it was loved - once.

 

Because I love you.

 

Because
I want you to know what it feels like
to be laughed at for things out of your control -
like kids that cant have bikes
....because their legs don’t work.

 

Because I want you to know
what its like to feel off balance -
like little boys in white walled rooms
that spend their days being held
over waste bins full of today’s
chemo reactions.

 

I want you to have an ugly bike.

 

Because I want you to learn
that ugly things can be beautiful,
and forgotten things
still have plenty of life in them -

 

Like car crash scarred cheekbones.
Like burn victim smiles,
and starving Vietnam Veterans stuck in
soiled sheets all day
while overweight nurses play cribbage
and order stuffed crust pizza
with three different dipping sauces.

 

I want you to have an ugly bike.

 

Because I want to see your eyes light up
when you get new plastic rainbow tassels
to hang from your rusty, bent handlebars
and watch you race off into the horizon
Grateful

 

I want you to have an ugly bike.

 

Because I want you to know
that you don’t have to be pretty
......to be loved.

Author notes

for my children - some might call me cruel, for wanting them to feel such things as humiliation, frustration, embarrasment and pain...but how else are they to learn? If my children - your children - their children, never know what it feels like to be laughed at for being different, they are more likely to be the ones laughing at the different kid. you know? I hope you know.
Written February 20th, 2006

A contest entry

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Comments

1 - 79 of 79
  • Judith Chandler
    December 8, 2007

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    Life imposes enough cruelty without parents piling on more! You may have good intentions but, for god's sake, get your child a nice bike if you can afford it.


    It's a well written poem regardless.


    • Bigmammajen
      December 8, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      youve got to be kidding me.

      Kids these days have everything handed to them, they whine about not getting $300 Ipods for xmas while there are kids that havent eaten for 3 days in other countries out working until past dark to help their family make 50 cents a day.

      Kids these days get ticked off because they have to wait an extra 4 minutes for their fries at Mcdonalds and they arent ready and waiting for them when they order.

      Kids these days have no concept of suffering or worry compared to millions of children in 3rd world countries that go to bed every night worrying some armed man is going to break into their hut, rape their mothers and kill their entire family.

      My 12 year old is pissed off at me right now because I refuse to buy him an Ipod. he thinks Im insane for telling him that the 20 minutes he just spent in the front yard raking leaves only earned him $3.

      Kids - especially in America - are ungrateful, selfish little twats that expect everything and want to work for nothing.

      my kids included.

      But Im doing my best to deprogram what society and their father has programed them to be like.

      My own children make me sad.
      Now thats cruel.

      So - go ahead and buy your kids a nice, shiney new bike and Ill get mine a rusty old hand me down from Goodwill and then a year from now when they DO get the new shiney bike, guess who's kids will actually be GRATEFUL for it rather than believing they deserve it?

      yep.
      mine.


  • Pelican
    November 25, 2007

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    very cute, but i wouldn't want anyone to be laughed at like i was, for being mute, and apparently retarded. i agree whole heartedly that you don't have to be pretty to be loved, but in my eyes, deliberate humiliation isn't the way to teach a lesson. by the age of 10, (i'm 11 now) i earned more money than my parents have earned in their lifetimes, and my kids will earn money and respect like i have, by working for it, not by a dose of agony. but it's who i am, and it's who you're, and i respect that. your children will tell you how it made them feel when they grow up

    • Bigmammajen
      November 27, 2007
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      oh.....this isnt literal its strong metaphor. I dont want my kids to smash their faces because the brakes dont work, and I dont want them to cry because kids make fun of them, I dont want them to feel 2 inches tall because kids are mean and horrible and laugh at them - its not what I was intending..

      I want them to be appreciative and think of those things that could be worse than an ugly bike and I want them to be grateful to have a bike at all ..if that makes sense.

      No parent should wish for pain either emotional or physical on their child. It is all a metaphor sorry to have you thinking otherwise.

      The hard part about divorce is that once the stable/sensible parent is out of the house and not with the selfish/not so great at parenting parent anymore - we have no control over how the kids get taught and raised at the other house.

      My 2 boys were very selfless and giving kids and were always so grateful for things and now after spending about 5 years in their dads care without me around, they have grown into very selfish and "Me me me" children and its sad to see them change so much.

      I wrote this to remind them that they should learn to be grateful again.

      • Pelican
        November 27, 2007
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        ah, i see. for a while, i seeked attention in a way that may have seemed selfish, but in fact, all i wanted was a mom and dad, not a business woman and a doctor that cater to others, instead of their children. have you thought about why your children are acting that way?
        i was bullied by a mean boy, he called me names and shoved me around. now that i look back at the situation, i wonder what his home life was like? i could simply judge him and think that he is a selfish bully, with no regards to other's feelings, but i think he was hurting, he wanted to be acknowledged and he didn't know another way,
        other than to make others feel what he was feeling. perhaps that's why your children have grown into very selfish people, because for 5 year they had their dad to care for them without you around. their dad can only give them so much. a bridge can't stand with a foundation that supports only 50% of its weight. this is a very well written poem, but it kinda tugs like the confused boy

        • Bigmammajen
          December 8, 2007
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          I didnt mean to make it sound like I wasnt around. Ive been a part of my childrens lives from birth - I meant that he had them in his care without me after I left him. So there were days/nights when he was the sole caregiver and his family has a bad habit of buying things to show love, rather than giving love. So when we divorced, he went totally crazy with the buying gifts almost daily for the boys to make sure they knew he loved them - which has backfired now beccause now they expect gifts/things all the time, and not just from him, but from everyone around them.

          The past 3 years that I have been remarried to my new husband, they have gotten a billion times better and are slowly starting to be nicer about those things. They also know that we dont buy them gifts all the time and when we do, now they are excited about it, rather than expecting it.

          I feel sorry for my ex though - his family tried to buy him/his love and so thats all he knows how to do and its not helping our kids, its hurting them by him doing the same thing.

          But they are definately getting better.


  • punksense
    November 21, 2007
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    Genius

    WOW, bigmamajen! Truly wonderful! I love the symbolism of a common childhood toy. For me, I like the fact that with the usage of the bike, it's like traveling through life: you have to travel through thick and thin, but even at your worst, you're still beautiful since it's the you that has always been there all along.

    Jen >_<

  • Hypocritical Oath
    November 21, 2007

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    Great

    I can se how this won a silver, this is an amazing piece and an equally brilliant message. I couldn't agree more, we need to see pain to realise the good in life. Well done, this is beautiful!
    -Si

  • Judith Chandler
    November 20, 2007
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    Interesting

    the things parents decide they want their kids to go through. The kids have no control either way.

  • arden
    July 19, 2007

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    aye,

    i ken what ye mean jen. tolerance and acceptance are hard learned, and today, ''twould seem that so many young ones dinna ever learn it. aye, taunting that different one, because they never knew what it was to be without, to be different. not a cruel one jen, simply wise... for teaching in the most visual sence possible.. morals that seem to 'ave fallen by the wayside. as always... ye've touched me this eve. and i can only think... i loved my ugly bike.

    arden


  • stephanie sunshine
    February 23, 2007
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    agreed, heartily.


  • slipperssun gold member
    January 31, 2007

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    thank you from deep in my heart for sharing this with me... i agree with every word you have penned in this... its awesome... i wish you luck in my contest


  • DancingRed
    January 14, 2007
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    A fantastic poem with a beautifully clear and loud voice. Reading this makes me want to appreciate the good things in life. Love the repetition of that line 'I want you to have an ugly bike' - very effective.

    DancingRed.


  • kala chimera
    January 10, 2007

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    This is a beautiful poem full of wonderful imagery. The desire to make your children grateful is sincere, and everyone needs to realize that there is no beauty without ugliness.

  • CrimsonCat
    January 9, 2007

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    This is WICKED! It's well meanright up until the end and then it's really touching, and it's kinda childish with all that stuff about bikes of all things. Love this!


  • Dalaney gold member
    January 5, 2007

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    This is a breath of fresh air,
    and I agree...we need to teach
    children that there are stepping
    stones we must take in order to
    reach the person we are to become.
    What a gem this is .... Lane


  • dragonzbloodxgirl
    January 4, 2007
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    umm good....i just don't really tell people what i think about their poems...so yah BUT good job


  • Avalanche.Echo
    January 4, 2007
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    I want an ugly bike now, just so I can realize what it's like.

    GREAT write, and so true.


  • catz Moderators member
    January 4, 2007

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    Hi, Jen, As you know I've read and commented on this before, and when I saw it in the Spotlight on the front page I had to come read it again. It's such a wonderful write, so perfectly expressed.
    Being of the old school, I too feel that children should grow up learning compassion, respect and consideration for others. What better way than to walk a mile in those shoes.

    love and
    Dee


  • ashleyheartsyou
    January 3, 2007

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    amazing

    this is simply ana amazing poem, i absolutely love the message it sends out, and its imagery is so strong and so vivid that ic an see the veterans and nurses in my mind. i think everybody should accept people for who they are, and being different isnt a bad thing. this is a great poem, well done, and keep on writing

  • talesien
    January 3, 2007

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    Amazing

    Wow....Very rarely do I read I poem and just sit there stunned in its aftermath. I literally had to pick my jaw up off my chest BOTH times that I read it. I have children of my own, and fighting the urge to spoil them senseless is one of the hardest things that I do. Your use of the bike as a metaphor for learning humility and empathy was stunning. Wonderful write, wonderful thought, and I'm sure an even better mother.


  • AngelsDemise
    January 3, 2007

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    Incredible

    you have such a wonderful and refreshing way of veiwing things.......so many parents struggle to give their children only the best in life and shelter them from all the pain that exists in the world......I believe like you that children should be exposed to these things instead of sheltered from them so that they can learn to understand....to be grateful....to be compassionate to all........bravo on a masterful write and a fantastic view on life

  • shatteredhopes
    January 3, 2007

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    i thought it was beautiful. it was very inspiring and makes you think about yourself and your family. you should want to have this for everyone and make everyone understand.


  • Extreme Simplicity
    January 3, 2007

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    This is an amazing poem! These truely are things we all need to learn in life. Thank you for this wonderful poem!
    ~K~

  • Lost162004
    January 3, 2007

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    That's very powerful with a deep meaning. It's not cruel; it's a vaulable lesson no one could forget. Very well done.


  • wordsick
    January 3, 2007

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    Best thing I've read all day. Very original and chock full of valuable lessons. Thanks for sharing.

  • Enchanted Eagle
    January 3, 2007

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    Awesome

    I wish more people thought this way. I totally agree with the sentiment and message in this well-written piece. The analogies/comparisons you make are impressive and accurate.
    So many people take the simplest thing like having a bike forgranted and always want to be the ones with the coolest bike on the block. Makes me wish more people wanted the "ugly" bikes that were once the coolest bikes. This piece makes me feel like going to find an old rusty bike and finding the pieces for it and fixing it up.
    I know what it's like to be the one at whom the other kids are laughing. I used to be that kid. It sucked. But, as you've stated, it's made me who I am and my closest friends are the "different" kids. Well, we're adults now...but that doesn't change anything. I'm proud to be different, I don't want to fit in. That's boring. Being yourself is much more interesting and much more rewarding.


  • Annalise
    January 3, 2007

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    I would not call this cruel. Life requires lessons, and if we do not teach our children these lessons when they are early... they either learn them the hard way, or become people who we did not expect.

    This is perhaps one of the first poems I have read on the "spotlighted poems" that I think truly deserves to be spotlighted. It's a good poem, written well and has a lesson attached to it. Very well done.


  • cherche -d -ame
    January 3, 2007

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    There is nothing cruel about this at all.I loved the metaphor of an ugly bike to teach our children that sometimes the world is really cruel, and maybe as you say in your message...if they do get a taste of being laughed at and know how it feels they will never return the same upon someone else. It seems as if that should happen to your kids, they have a mom that will know how to console them without going right out and "getting a new bike". You will be able to make it a lesson without hurting them and /or their self esteem. Great write,
    reenie


  • WriteOrWrong597
    January 2, 2007

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    This was beautiful. The bike...the comparisons...I'm speechless... It made me cry. Wonderful! This is a lesson that should be taught to the world, a poem that should be read to the world.

  • Cheysula
    January 2, 2007

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    True, isn't it?

    Wow. That's like what my mom taught me. "Don't throw it away just because it isn't perfect." Where we come from, its never useless, just used. I remember my old bike that i gave away when it was too small. I got it secnd hand, and there was a kid that didn't have a bike, so i asked their mom if i could give her my bike. She was just happy she had a bike that WORKED.
    Funny what cali ghettos teach.


  • Snakehips Pete
    January 2, 2007
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    I started off thinking this was about my sister Patty who was known as the ugly bike of Coventry University as she was ridden by all of the students but it seems it's not about her after all.

    Nice poem.


  • DawnBaby
    January 2, 2007
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    Excellent!

    Wow, this is a great piece of writing. I never thought of it that way before. Those who don't learn to be laughed at may well be the ones laughing at someone else someday. Fraught with wisdom!


  • williamstown silver member
    January 2, 2007

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    A great write, with a message. I did not know kids still stick cards in the spokes to make a noise. Is there nothing new? I did that eighty years ago!
    I was watching kide throw bikes down on the pavement (sidewalk) the other day. Too much trouble to park them against a wall. I only had two in my life. one was new and lasted four years until I grew out of it. the second one lasted until I enlisted.
    I know this has nothing to do with the theme of the poem. Just wanted to get off my chest how kids lack respect in a throw-away society.
    Its still a sriking poem.


  • Jadon
    January 2, 2007

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    Thank you for an "Ugly Bike!"

    Now, why would you want me to have an ugly bike that is rusted, wobbles, tosses me, bent, missing spokes .. ?
    Sagergirl refered me here and I was wondering what she saw. The title she mentioned took my mind to thinking perhaps a poem about treasured memories of a bike owned in childhood or reflections of an old 'clunker' found in a barn, even a bicycle used in employment.
    You did so well with this poem. A real treasure of thought and experience. That I might better understand and have compassion of others through the vechicle of a rusted bicycle is a very thoughtful gift. Not to depreciate your poem, but it reminded me of the thought process behind Johnny Cash's "Boy named Sue" where a gift (name/bike) is given to teach the child.
    So well thought out, especially the appreciation of the "plastic rainbow tassels" on my ugly bike.
    Now I am thanking you for the "Ugly Bike" and a lesson learned. Jadon


  • Sensual Sapphire
    January 2, 2007

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    This is how all parents should feel

    MOst people say they want their kids to know love and to have all the things they never recieved as kids. Look at how well that has worked for the world! My kids know that they and all others are worthy of love because I have instilled in them the same things you have in yours. The heart is what matters not the vessel that surrounds it. You should be proud of what you are teaching them. Never let anyone tell you that what you are doing is wrong!
    This is well presented and full of lessons the world should know. Perfect!


  • Sagergirl
    January 2, 2007

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    Absolutely brilliant and inspiring. I completely agree with the fact that children who have everything going for them are less compassionate, less understanding and definitely ungrateful. I absolutely loved this one. This is an excellent life lesson that everybody should learn. Amazing job! A very motivating piece here!


  • intenzity
    January 2, 2007

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    Top Praise!

    Ugly bike is fanstastic! My highest praise. I believe that our children need these lessons, gives them character and resolve to become productive people. Life is never without pain...


  • A Poison Tree
    January 2, 2007
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    Wow. This was beautiful.

  • sinenomine
    January 2, 2007
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    you win. at life. and raising children.

    I realise by this point this poem has been amptly commented upon. But I have to say, it was one of the most touching and well written poems I've read so far on this site. The last stanza ties it all together most beautifully.


  • Elrenia
    January 2, 2007

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    I am not sure about an ugly bike. My first one was used, but my mom had it painted and made it look nice; it even had my name painted on it. I knew it was not new, and that we did not have money for a new one, but it meant a lot that she made it the best she could.

    I think it is important for children to not always get what they want, and in the condition they want it. If they are taught that having new and shiny and the best is not important, then they grow up better and more giving themselves. And, they learn that waiting for something is not as bad as they are told by the world.

    Structurally, this is a very nice free-form poem. And, the repetitions are reinforcing, rather than annoying. There are a couple of typos sprinkled about, but nothing that takes away from the message.

    Thank you for sharing.

    rous

  • ea silver member
    January 2, 2007
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    as if anyone has to want that for their kids? Life is an ugly bike.


  • LadyUnique silver member
    January 2, 2007
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    teach kids to appreciate

    i do not see this as cruel at all... in fact it's the perfect way to teach appreciation me thinks. i do not have children and one of the things in life i have the most respect for are good, loving parents. this is a perfect example of 'good parenting'.


  • Jersene gold member
    December 30, 2006

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    I love this...and in the end, your children will thank you. My seven year old, son, is experiencing this; being teased by a kid who has everything, including an ego the size of North America. As much as it is heartbreaking, I also, take comfort in knowing he will gain strength of character in himself, and towards others. An excellent, thought provoking write. Enjoyed!


  • lucy sky-diamond
    December 30, 2006

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    this poem is simply beautiful. it really really touched my heart, especially the last stanza. this is clearly the best poem i have read in a long time.
    i like the way you describe how you want the bike to be before going on to say why. the examples you used are also brilliant, the one abou little boys in white walled rooms was especially hard hitting.
    keep up the brilliant work


  • EyeRaven
    November 30, 2006

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    *Refreshing*

    I remember that mom once wanted me to give up a toy I so much loved (I don't remeber what was it, and I wasn't the kind of toy-attched kid, so if I like one, then yeah....you don't want to see it taken from me,anyway...), she wanted me to give it up to another boy who was of a lower life-class, poor and simple kid..
    I was a kid by then, and never really knew nor understood why my mom did that..
    I only grew noisy, and demanding, as well as cursing and yelling around ...*sighs*...yes I remeber those days...
    I also remeber what she told me to ease my cries..
    "I only wanted you to give up that which you cherish to your heart the most, to understand the same feeling, when someone else gives up his most for you as well my son"..
    Needless to say I didn't understand ..

    Thank you for being a reminder to that fading classic way of making life's plight a lot more wise and easier to cope with..

    You are a very wise lady Ma'am..
    Be well,
    Raven Dark.


  • artis
    November 29, 2006
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    objective lessons from life.

    what better way to show that life is not a perfect picture, but holds much ugliness which we must tolerate, sympathize with and help comfort whenever we can....excellent writew, we willbe getting approximately 21,000 men and women back from iraq, most with missing limbs and horrible burn scars, who will hire them to work in their office or store, if the customers think they are hideous looking...????Artis


  • Charmkin
    November 29, 2006
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    A favorite!

    I haven't visited AP in a while and I had to come and check out your page. You've always been one of my favorite AP authors. I'm glad to hear that you are happy... congratulations on your marriage and your family. I love this poem!


  • myrataal silver member
    November 27, 2006

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    Still Outstanding

    I read this before, but it remains absolutely OUTSTANDING, So filled with wisdom, far beyond your age, young mommy! Love you Jen.

    Myra


  • May 21, 2006
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    Yeah. I know. I'm only a kid myself, but I believe in this.
    And I also believe that parents should let their kids play in the mud and get sick so their immune systems build up defences. Purely scientific that though.

    This is an excellent poem, and I truly hope your kids understand it.


    Cheers.


  • NurseHayley
    March 16, 2006
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    Beautiful!

    I have lost count the amount of times that I have heard parents talk about wanting their children to have "the best" not just any old tat so that they aren't bullied... but you have pointed out a valuable and often unseen lesson in this piece.

    I am sure your children are able to see the beauty in owning an ugly bike. Your oldest especially I remember is particularly talented in photography like yourself so you shouldn't have much bother

    Take care

    Hayley x x x

  • myrataal silver member
    March 6, 2006
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    Compassionate excellence

    What a very wise Mom! My eldest son once told me: Mom, do not withhold the privilege to suffer ...

    Wonderful poem!

    How are you dearest One? I hope fine.

    Love

    Myra


  • 5th position Gb
    February 26, 2006
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    awesome!

    I really really liked this. It was just everything I like in a poem. It was well-written, it made sense, and it had a great message. I LOVED this!


  • The Angellightwolf
    February 26, 2006
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    The best I have read in awhile. Pure genius!


  • Thorin-Ganush
    February 26, 2006
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    Fabulous!

    Gorgeous! So powerful. I loved that you emphasized that ugly things can truly be beautiful. Amazing poem!


  • Psycho Dancer ---
    February 23, 2006
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    brilliant

    this is a great lesson for children and adults alike, this is a really creative piece, i enjoyed reading it and i hope lots of people learn from it!

    xxx


  • Tarja
    February 22, 2006
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    Wow. I must say, I understand the approach, but take no offense when I say I'm glad I'm not your child! This was very interesting and i did enjoy it. It's a wonderful piece!
    Amanda

  • Bigmammajen
    February 22, 2006
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    I havent had time to escape the baby/kids yet. I see them all over downtown. I just need to get away for a few hours soon. I dont get much time to take pictures anymore - but once the weather gets better, Ill be able to push her around in the stroller


  • GlassSlippers
    February 22, 2006
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    I think this has to be one of my favorites of everything you've written here. It's WONDERFUL. I'll remember it.

    My favorite line was about the grips and being grateful! oh, I love to see that!

    My own two cents on the topic itself- yes, hard things are so often good. Life in a bubble of perfect toys and throwing things away the minute they have a scratch is sad. It's a lack of depth somehow. At the same time, I think if we generate the hard things for them (note that I'm not encouraging overprovision- just encouraging sensitivity to the level of ache a seemingly small trial can generate in the heart of a quiet child) they'll have the hard things that come by themselves as well as our provided hard things.

    I really like this, and the idea behind it is hard to write on. You caught all of the wobbly awkwardness of bad bikes, too!!! I'm so glad you wrote it.

    What, you have no ugly bike picture??


  • DougMcCue
    February 22, 2006
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    in my other comment i didn't mention how lovly this is...
    can i suggest an addition to the end?

    I want you to have an ugly bike
    "Why?"
    Because I want want you to have an ungly bike
    and that's final
    Go play!!!

    i would question it if i was that age and my parent bought me and ugly bike...



    p.s. don't forget a helmet
    Edited on Feb 22, 2:03 because ''.


  • hugh wyles silver member
    February 21, 2006
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    Dear Jen,
    WOW!! This is a real poetic statement and, what's more, I think you are quite right. Too many kids today are showered with every conceivable new toy by parents who can't spend the time to show their love so think to compensate with over-indulgence. No wonder society is getting so damned materialistic!
    The ugly bike is just the thing. Well done!
    Applause, love and hugs, XXX Hugh.

  • ocerus
    February 21, 2006
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    This is very well done, and you're right: kids need to be taught to appreciate things. Having an ugly bike might be just what they need. I was given a lot of different things when I was a young man, and I didn't value all of them the way I should have, particularly my car. Soem things I was right not to value since they weren't then or now truly important to me, but the car I do miss. I bought a new one recently, and now I have to get a license - at 36! What a riot, huh? Well, at least I learned. I won't be driving like a maniac like I used to, that's for sure! Good poem, great message! - oce

  • melonie74
    February 21, 2006
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    Touching!

    This is so awesome of a write!!! I remember the cards in the spokes.OMG>..LOL I do agree things dont have to be pretty to be loved.This is so touching.Brings back alot o from my child hood.Thanks for sharing!!!


  • Bride Of Hate
    February 21, 2006
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    Wow. This is absolutely outstanding! It's got a great twist and the imagery is just overpowering. Amazing work here!! Standing ovation definately in order!
    Kitty x

  • PrettyFace
    February 21, 2006
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    okay. nice poem but its not my type. so anyways i will read some more of yours and comment them too. chat at ya lata

  • tashathejoo
    February 21, 2006
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    awesome

    Oh...that was not what I was expecting. This is a wonderful poem. I wish that everyone in the world could read this poem. You are a great writer and a great person from what I have read. Awesome...

  • driveby-romance
    February 21, 2006
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    I am awestruck. Here I thought I was creative. Nicely done.


  • February 21, 2006
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    Such a great poem. Wow. So creative and original.


  • nell
    February 21, 2006
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    too often we take things for granted, and too often we forgot about people less fortunate than us.. teaching our children to be passionate of such things through personal experience is the most meaningful and effective way for them to understand the lesson and put it into practise... you are teaching your children a valuable lesson that they will carry with them, become apart of them and oneday will be able to pass on to others.

    a beautifully written piece Jen.

    Shanelle


  • Pretty Escape
    February 21, 2006
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    Wow. That's all I can say. This is wonderful.

  • Seeking Peace silver member
    February 21, 2006
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    Brilliant

    This is the best piece I have read from anyone in a long time, if only every single one of us were given an ugly bike when we were younger, just maybe the world would be a little nicer. I think it's great that you're teaching the boys this lesson at their age.

    Of course we all want our children to have the best of everything, and for only good things to ever happen to them, but real life is shit, it leaves scars, it dents your armour and shames you when you don't think you can be shamed anymore, and kids need to learn these things and who better to teach them than their parents. I for one, would be proud to be your child, you're such a responisble parent, I wish mine had taught me half the lessons yours already know.

    It almost reminds me of my husband, who picked up an ugly bike one day, and with careful love and restoration, he turned it into something, much shinier and maybe even prettier than before, and I'll forever thank him for that. Think I might show him this if it's OK, I know he'll know exactly where you've come from, cause he's married to a once úgly bike.

    Marvellous Jen
    Bookmarking this one

    Great to see you writing again

    Much love and light

    Karen

  • DougMcCue
    February 21, 2006
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    one time my mom cut my hair when i was like 9... wow was it bad... i looked like a brand muffin... i didn't want to go to school... i think i got away with missing monday... i was hoping it would maybe settle down or grow in... but no one really noticed or said anything when i went to school... the fear i had... look at my hair now... i sport an afro... i carried the name 'poofy hair guy' for awhile... somethings were said to me the other day, infront of people, somethings i wish i never heard... it was easier to take it... embarrassment is caused by your own doing, its a reaction... people won't care about things like an ugly bike or a bad hair cut if they are true friends...

    you will gain acceptance if you accept yourself...
    parents are life's teachers, you my friend are a professor...

    Doug

  • Pome
    February 21, 2006
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    This is so creative and insightful... I am glad that you have your children's spirit at heart here and want them to learn under a controlled situation what it means to not quite 'fit in' or to have the best of something to show off. The examples you used of your intentions and the imagery was great

  • catz Moderators member
    February 21, 2006
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    Oh, yes, Jen. You are so wise to want these things for your children. Let them feel, live, know the not so nice things in life and that all things are beautiful, even in their ugliness. I felt like crying as I read this, it's so touching and realistic, so painful and soothing.

    How else can we compare if we have no experience to compare to, how can we know love and happiness if we haven't learned the difference between those and indifference and pain.

    An excellent piece, Jen, your children must be some of the luckiest in the world to have such a wise mother.

    It's good to see you posting a new one

    much love and big
    Dee


  • February 21, 2006
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    I simply loved this. I can honestly say that I can relate to it. We were a family of 12 kids and had absolutly nothing but ugly stuff. We were poor and others made fun of us. But having experienced that growing up I know that I have the strength for whatever life brings. Anyhow good job!!!!!!!!


  • symitar Moderators member
    February 20, 2006
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    This is wonderful, Jen. Teaching our kids to be grateful for what they have and understand that not all are so lucky - and teaching them about the suffering of others and teaching them to love without caring what they have or what they don't - so many things we want to teach them. This is a great write, I am going to send the link to my daughter, she will absolutely love it.

    symitar


  • DreameeDarlin2U
    February 20, 2006
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    Bravo

    This was a truely amazing piece. I've never read anything quite like it. WOW.
    Because I want you to learn
    that ugly things can be beautiful,
    and forgotten things
    still have plenty of life in them -

    Like car crash scarred cheekbones.
    Like burn victim smiles,
    and starving Vietnam Veterans stuck in
    soiled sheets all day
    while overweight nurses play cribbage
    and order stuffed crust pizza
    with three different dipping sauces.

    What a wonderful point you make in this. I too am trying to teach my children to be grateful....even for the small things. I love this piece, I applaud you.

  • kat14903
    February 20, 2006
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    very impressive. i can feel the writers words indeed. how i wish others could experience the ungly bike and learn to appreciate what they have in life. even when life deals some of us hard blows its nice and comforting to know others can see past our own ugly bikes and instead see what real true beauty lies within all of us, thank you as i'll be sharing this piece with some i know who needs to hear its message


  • ebaby
    February 20, 2006
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    awsome poem

    this is amazing.... I really dont have words to say.... I am stunned.... and I know you are right.....

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