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Priceless

Missing image

 

 

 

Priceless is the smile
on her face -
she who was abused
battered
violated at only four years old.

Priceless is the smile
on her face -
she who was ridiculed
demeaned
called filthy names by her friends.

Priceless is the smile
on her face -
she who was labeled incorrigible
a threat to the classroom
one of those who will never learn.

Priceless is the smile
on her face -
as she sits in cap and gown
with her senior class
and receives her high school diploma.

Who could ever put a price tag
on her miracle?

 

 

 

Author notes

I think children are precious gifts. 

 

There are still too many children that are labeled as not teachable. We can make a difference to these children - one child at a time.

 

We just graduated 21 young people from the alternative high school at which I work. I am so touched by their perserverance and tenacity and desire to achieve what was so difficult for them. They are such miracles.

 

 

graphic taken from http://www.davis.k12.ut.us/

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A contest entry

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Comments

1 - 24 of 24
  • SerenityTranquility
    March 4

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    This poem shows a lot of strength, I really liked it. :] A lot of good poems show strong emotions, and this one definitely had it. It was an enjoyable read.

  • Mom of Blondes
    March 2, 2008

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    Amen!!

    I am part of a ministry that rescues children from drug houses, abusive and neglectful homes, children that are bouncing from shelter to shelter, ect. These children come to us malnourished, dirty, smelly, ratty hair, improperly clothed, ect.

    My best friends have opened up their home to raising these children. Each one of them is a precious gift. They are all very different. Some are very hyper-active, some have learning disabilities, some have anger or emotional problems, and one is autistic.

    But I have watched them grow and change. I have seen anger issues disappear. I have seen very active children given good ways to exert their energy. I am watching an autistic child learn many things and hear his vocabulary grow. They are all now well fed, clean, and well taken care of.

    Children bloom in an environment of love and encouragement. I think what you do is beautiful.

    Rachael


  • photay.poetry
    March 2, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    wow. so much trohpies but it deserves more. i mean, that was amazing...


  • RyanosaurusWrecks
    February 26, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    a bronze trophy would make this a trifecta! congrats are due, anyways, on your previous achievements, and i really am starting to enjoy hosting this contest, especially with such a thought provoking peice as yours...your simplistic yet complex emotions shine throughout each line, and your ending is superb...thank you for your entry, and for the sheer honor to be able to read your poem


  • JinSays gold member
    February 24, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    This makes me proud. Priceless are teachers that give a crap about their students. Amazing write, you had me weeping like a big baby, by line three.
    I agree with you, there's nothing more awe-inspiring, than seeing a child overcome socioeconomic diversity, abuse, absent parents, and Making It Happen For Themselves.

    Once these children get a taste of what they can do, autonomously, it's amazing how relieved they are when they realize how much easier their lives will be, once they're done.

    Those are the kids to watch. They shall fix this world, one day. An extra-ordinary write, thank you SO MUCH!
    Peace,
    Jin


  • XXnathanxx20
    December 8, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    It was good but i dont think that this poem is what u would put this much repitition in

  • Panserbjorne
    October 1, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    amazing write. its so full of hope for the future and the will to live on and how priceless it is when even after tragedy some poeple can rebuild shattered lives. thanks for entering good luck.

  • tiarna
    July 22, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    this is so good.... my school says iam unable to be taught. but they dont understand me.. i wish i could explain ... they sent me to the mental health team but iam notr mental just have a few problems... but i loved this write


    • thelordreigns gold member
      July 22, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Tiarna, I don't believe any child is unable to learn. We are born with a natural desire to learn and grow emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. I hope you can find teachers who will care and nurture your growth.

      You write extremely well for your age. I am so glad to see you writing and holding contests here at AP. Keep writing. Writing is a key that opens the door to learning. It was my key and my salvation.

      I'm glad you liked my poem.

      Love and hugs - joanne


  • Gods child40 silver member
    July 4, 2007
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    AWESOME!!!


  • bethan-gaze
    June 30, 2007
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    Many congrats on the gold - this is really gorgeous!


  • abuyi
    June 30, 2007

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    priceless is her smile and nothing more priceless can be achived by give her that smile.. very touchy very beautiful my friend.. this poem is worth a gold

    keep up the work and inshallah u will achive your differences..

    regards
    abuyi


  • PrabhuDayal Khattar silver member
    June 29, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    Priceless is the smile
    on her face -
    as she sits in cap and gown
    with her senior class
    and receives her high school diploma.



    Well I loved this noble write..truely very warm and very a beautiful write is here ..Thank you so much for entering in my contest my friend...

  • bethan-gaze
    June 22, 2007

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    This is a very honest and perceptive piece which is highlighted beautifully with the exquisite picture. I love the way you weave your special mark of tenderness and defence of those labelled 'difficult' ... I discern that you are equipped with more compassion than most and you clearly derive much pleasure from your vocation in life. This is a real joy to read and is didactic in tone. Very well done.


  • Samplette gold member
    June 21, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    You have a way about you that blesses those who are fortunate enough to be able to see your poetic soul. This is an amazing piece of poetry that sparkles from a tender heart. Beautiful.
    Sam


  • blondone
    June 19, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    This is a Priceless as I had a pre-teen that has been labeled and once labeled its a hard road to go as a parent I can relate so much to this write and thank you for you are the priceless one...


  • aurora13 silver member
    June 16, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Priceless is the mind
    with such kind thoughts

    Absolutely beautiful message and said in such a beautiful way! And, it is inspirational, I hope it inspires others too to do something as noble as you do... atleast it inspired me

    Thanks for sharing the message, God Bless you and all the teachers like you!


  • TwiztidMaggot
    June 16, 2007

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    great write!

    this is really good. love the way it was written! I love the pic... it really fits the poem! all in all, it was a very great poem! Keep it up!

    Crimson


  • storiesuntold gold member
    June 16, 2007

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    So wonderful

    I think the schools are to quick on labeling children today and to eager to medicate them. I know one for sure she wasnt unteachable she was just stuburn headed like her mama and they classed her and it will be with her for life now. Its so sad and lost children due to not having any correction as a child is born from ignorance . For if not taught as a child they are nothing but spoilt and want their way . The children have become the rulers in their homes and we have lost so many for they get in to trouble and dont know how to get out of it . I praise those who stands tall and shows the world they do have what it takes .


  • Hetha gold member
    June 16, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    You took a phrase that may be cliche, and turned it into something deeper and more meaningful. For that I thank you for sharing. I was one such student. Unfortunately, I never got the positive attention to help me through it. I was one of those they considered,"slipped through the cracks," and forgotten about. Then to see something like this, that was hopeful and uplifting, and to know that others won't have to suffer the same fate I did, means the world to me. Your work is noble, and won't be forgotten,, by those who are touched by it. Keep it up, and keep up the awesome writing!

  • aqua -rius
    June 16, 2007
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    Service

    "Whatever is beneficial to me should be of benefit to all through my actions".


  • Steven Beesley
    June 16, 2007

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    Good message.

    We can never put any price tag on any our children and we must never give up on any single one of them, becuase they will form the future.

    Such a good message, you are doing a thankless job and I wish there were more people who took more interest and time in the young people of today. Kudos!

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