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A Boys First Day

They taunt me one then the other Push me—hurt pride—scattered books Crying? Go cry to your mother laughing with smug contemptuous looks Dark musty locker room, stripping for gym Shouting, snapping towels at each other’s rear Vice principle comes by looking grim His volcano erupts—we’re silent with fear Growing into a body odd and disgusting Face oily and breaking out Cursed with tormented lusting I give up—What’s this about? My mother asks me over dinner that night How was your first day of junior high? Not wanting to upset her, I keep it light It was even better than I hoped, I lie 6/4/22

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Michael Tor

Date: 7/27/2022 11:00:00 PM

Those tormenting days we all went through Robert. You were not alone. I have a few of my own. Life can be rough somedays but we get through hopefully without mental scars. Well written great theme and truth written here my friend...

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/28/2022 11:10:00 AM

We need to go through rough times to understand others experiences. It makes one more empathetic. Your very good at lending an ear. Robert

Karen Jones

Date: 6/19/2022 4:45:00 PM

What a insightful write! So sweet that last line. Happy Father's Day if you celebrate!

Robert Gorelick
Date: 6/19/2022 5:08:00 PM

Thank you, Karen for understanding, my mother was an angel. I always try to shield her from the worst, sometimes I succeeded. Happy Father's Day!

Bill Baker

Date: 6/9/2022 5:30:00 PM

Again, tell it like it is. Jr. High ... you have to make it through it to get to Hich School. Have a great day, Robert! Bill

Robert Lindley

Date: 6/7/2022 8:00:00 AM

Fine poetic verse that highlights one of the terrible aspects of youth- that being the too oft expression derision by others that in youth are themselves still wading in streams of darkness. A fav.. God bless..

Robert Gorelick
Date: 6/8/2022 10:17:00 AM

Yes, a trial by ordeal, a transition often indelibly harrowing. Thank you, I am much obliged that you have faved it, Robert. God bless

Gershon Wolf

Date: 6/6/2022 8:03:00 PM

--- And after that, it really gets bad!!... Somehow, almost all of us survive. ~ aka 'Freckle-face'

Robert Gorelick
Date: 6/8/2022 10:19:00 AM

A Losey drawn out right of passage. But now, I am the happiest guy in L.A.--not! Thank you for the visit

I Am Anaya

Date: 6/4/2022 7:51:00 PM

I am proud that you have put this common experience into words, sometimes the term wonder years cannot be applied! Thanks for sharing Robert!

Robert Gorelick
Date: 6/4/2022 7:54:00 PM

I am glad you understand this male adolescence dynamic, you are very perceptive and empathetic. Robert

L Milton Hankins

Date: 6/4/2022 6:59:00 PM

Ah, the memories this poem brought back. I can remember how terrified I was the first time in gym class when I had to change, then shower, then change again. I was so small and scrawny, and there were fully-developed young men waiting to point and sneer. And, they did! But I was a survivor! Just like you.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/4/2022 8:31:00 PM

Perhaps the next time I'm on the west coast, if that happens. Thanks.

Robert Gorelick
Date: 6/4/2022 7:44:00 PM

As Hemmingway, put it, life breaks us all, but as time passes, we become stronger in the broken places, Thanks and come by for a shot of bourbon when the mood strikes!