He Was a Simple Boy

He was a simple boy
Everyone told him, made fun of him too.
Called him names and laughed at him.
Mean names.

He thought he was low.
Afraid his kindergarten teacher would find out.
She did not know, and neither did his classmates.
He was well-liked, and always wondered why.

He looked down at his feet most of his life,
Studying his shoes, always thinking about how simple he was
And low, and slow, and not smart in any kind of way.
Not because he was, but because his parents were name-callers.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

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Jeavons Avatar
January 25, 2019 at 7:09 PM
My heart breaks for this child. So many out there just like this. A powerful poem Caren. Hugs, Susan
Krutsinger Avatar
January 25, 2019 at 7:42 PM
Thank you Susan. It is my job to convince children who have been taught all of their life by their parents that they are stupid, and dumb, that they are not in the least, that they are actually smart. It is so very sad that parents do this to their children.
Y. Avatar
January 23, 2019 at 10:27 PM
Hi Caren, I feel so bad for this young boy. My heart goes out to him. Is this a true story?This poem hits close to home, because I know how devastating it can be to get called a bad name. I always said that old "saying" sticks and stones will break my bones , but will never hurt me is not true. Hurtful words( name calling) leave invisible scars.I'm sorry I'm rambling. Well done my friend. PS, when you get the chance read my poem"Broken"- Alexis
Krutsinger Avatar
January 24, 2019 at 12:48 AM
I have a chance now to read Broken, and so here I go. I will also give you Soup Mail in about 10 minutes, Alexis.
Bangalee Avatar
January 23, 2019 at 10:12 PM
He looked down at his feet most of his life.. maybe he was introvert !
Krutsinger Avatar
January 24, 2019 at 12:49 AM
He did not have to be, though, he was not supposed to be, this shame was learned.
Kiser Avatar
January 23, 2019 at 5:36 PM
Words do hurt; anyone who says they don't have no clue as to what they are talking about. Well penned.
Krutsinger Avatar
January 23, 2019 at 8:52 PM
Words can hurt a child more than many other things, for they stay in the child's mind for a long time, especially if they come from someone who is supposed to be protecting you, cherishing you and loving you. Mean words from a parent or a teacher can devastate a child.
Gilmour Avatar
January 23, 2019 at 2:10 PM
Reading your poem breaks my heart Caren as sadly this probably happens more than we realise. These people are evil and I pray they will get instant karma for the way they have destroyed this child's spirit. I love the way you paint such a vivid picture with your words as if you were using paints and brushes - so talented! Kindest thoughts my friend, Ann xx
Krutsinger Avatar
January 23, 2019 at 4:37 PM
Thank you Ann. What a lovely way to show me that you understood, and understand.
Gauthier Avatar
January 23, 2019 at 2:05 PM
So sad that this is sometimes true. So sad. Well written, Caren.
Krutsinger Avatar
January 23, 2019 at 4:38 PM
Enormously sad. One of my most darling student's fathers is the sweetest man on the planet, but a walking apology. He can barely talk to you, and looks down, as if always ashamed of himself. He is honorable and kind and I try to build him up always. Sadly, he still lives with his mother.
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