Saturday, 23 April 2011

The boy in year 12

You came to see me
And didn’t look up
You stared at the floor
Found a fascination
With your shoelaces.

You asked could I help
You’re not good at writing
Never have been
Have it in your head
Can’t get it onto paper.

I tried to listen
And help in some way
Like pieces of a puzzle
Each day little by little
The words started to flow.

You told me about your brother
No one mentions it at home
You sit in your room
On the Playstation
Can’t seem to concentrate.

I just saw you in the corridor
You shrugged a small glance
I heard you’re leaving soon
But I will hold on hope
That you can make it out there.
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11 comments:

  1. Hyde Park Poetry Palace23 April 2011 at 19:13

    blessings,
    well delivered sentiments.
    Happy Easter....


    share a free verse with us if you wish.

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  2. Beachanny24 April 2011 at 05:55

    I hope so too Libby. It's so true that people get locked up, can't get out their words, emotions, their way of being expressed and feel locked up. Well written in your own clear voice.
    Happy Easter, Gay

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  3. Freddy Bush25 April 2011 at 14:14

    The last verse really touched me

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  4. Brian Miller26 April 2011 at 14:30

    this is really beautiful...it reminds me of many of the kids that i do counseling with honestly...

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  5. Unknown26 April 2011 at 14:59

    been there both with special needs kids and in a sense with one of my own ..you put it across very well ..thank you

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  6. dustus26 April 2011 at 19:05

    And when you witness those words start to flow—that's a priceless 'teachable moment." Excellent poem.

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  7. CM26 April 2011 at 20:11

    Oh so lovely. I can hear your heart in this poem. Good thing there are people out there like you. He will probably never forget you.

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  8. Anonymous26 April 2011 at 21:15

    Beautiful...sometimes it's just a comment or a moment that helps and changes everything...I dare say he will remember!

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  9. John (@bookdreamer)27 April 2011 at 03:04

    Oh the pain of feelings and isolation that young men have to suffer for lack of acceptable words - but maybe you have opened a song for him

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  10. Laura27 April 2011 at 14:16

    Oh, straight to my heart Libby...so beautiful...I used to teach teens...and the kids who were "the outsiders"...the ones who wore their pain like an old t-shirt...I always felt closer to them, and I too would listen...just listen and be a "grown-up" friend. I miss those days, those special kids.

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  11. Maria Papadopoulou15 May 2011 at 02:28

    That one touched me to the core...it could actually make a good short story as well.

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