I wanted to shake her, a child was at stake.
She was making a common universal mistake.
“This is my son” she introduced him that day,
“He’s terribly shy” as the boy turned away.
Her attempts at explaining the way he behaved,
were just reinforcing the words she enslaved.
The easy thing would have been, simply agree,
not risking the anger she might feel towards me.
But, I knelt down to look the boy square in the eyes.
"Let me tell you a story you might recognize,
about a young lad who listened quite well,
and learned from the things he heard people tell.
He was constantly told he was terribly shy,
so that’s what he thought, without questioning why.
Then one day a preacher, courageous and strong,
convinced him that what he’d been told was all wrong.
He told him, Son, you are a miracle of God.
On the day you were born, angels stood to applaud.
There are many who need the gift you possess,
to learn how to listen, and talk a bit less.”
Author notes
Child abuse comes in many forms, sometimes out of ignorance. This is based on a real experience, the lady really did introduce her kid this way, How are you introducing your kid? What do they hear you say? Are you teaching them, teasing them, or are you programming them with your words? Kevin Pace - WordsDoMatter
In a list
A contest entry
- Hollow Point Persuasions by karma-n-peace.
1050 points, ended February 4, 11 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Give me hope, tell me about Abuse. by Cyanide Dreams.
1500 points, ended January 25, 36 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Lairs of Dragon Poets earning the Breath of Fire open to all of AP by Bosiarbooger.
3000 points, ended January 29, 15 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 14 of 14
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congratulations on the bronze thingyr
well done indeed -
Bravo Very Well Done
Child abuse is a pet peve of mine and it comes in so many different types from sexual to emotional and a gammit of other ways to hurt the innocent of the world. A million cudos for writing about this option. Thank you and good luck -
This is a very amazing write and its very true. I love the imagery you put into the poem. I also loved how you took abuse to a whole new level. Great job. I have a four year old, and this speaks to me because I always tell him how he can be whatever he wants. Good job, and good luck.
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thanks
this gets to me everytime I see it (or hear it)... I am on a mission to change the way parents program their kids without even knowing it. thanks for your enthusiasm - Kevin
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Bravo! People often think of bruises and hunger when they think of the mistreatment of children and too many people do act as though their children are just ornaments rather than human beignd that are very susceptable to what they hear over and over agian.
Excellent message! -
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cool
I collect Bravo's.... thanks for this one. - Kevin
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Absolutely Amazing
My mother also told people who I was before they ever had their own chance to meet me. Shy no, but overly hyper, rude and the like. So that is, of course, what I also became until I was helped out of it and able to see who I really was. But I have seen people my age who never came out of what they were told they were and this poem is incredible and I'm glad you told the women what you thought, though I'm curious: How did she react?
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I didn't
actually tell the woman, I spoke to the kid... I can only hope mom got the message. She didn't really seem to react.. probably not paying attention. - thankd for "getting it" - Kevin
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so true
everyone who has a child should read this, I know many to who carry autism like a scar your words soothed this scar a blessing indeed
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i agree
I don't get worked up about much, but this gets me - thanks - Kevin
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Bravo
Once again you delving into to childhood experiences and reflecting back to make a point. Wonderfully constructed and easy to understand. The life lesson is toned in such a way not to be offensive, but instructive. The rhyme and rhythm are very good as well. It's a thumbs up and at times I can ask questions or make suggestion, but not here my friend. Well done again. RC
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this...
is one of my pet peaves ... I don't get worked up about much, but this gets me... when I hear a parent unknowingly do this to an impressionable mind. thanks - Kevin
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Terrifically written, awesome little message. Great ending.
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thanks
I was always introduced as shy... so this is a pet peave of me.... my Mom is awesome, I don't blame her, she didn't understand. I have written several really good pieces about or inspired by her. But, I cringe when I hear other parents do this. - Thanks for reading - Kevin
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