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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... Login to Reply 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! Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply

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.. Login to Reply 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' Login to Reply 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! Login to Reply 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. Login to Reply 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!