Charles Messina Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

This is actually a true story of me and my very first friend way back in 1st grade. Ken's name was actually Harold Malone, Harold and I instantly became best friends after I saw him getting beat up by two or three kids. I was young and really don't remember too much about the incident but my mother and my older brother Joe told me they saw me run, do a flip and jump on the bullies and chased them away. I was crazy and not afraid but it worked and believe it or not 55 years later Ken and I are sill friends. :)

Hindsight 20 20

Way, way back in grammar school 
When I was young, I played the fool 
I didn't always follow rule 
I thought that I was somewhat cool
I've had a lot of friends back then 
And quite a few I'd grade a ten 
But I remember my friend named Ken 
Was beaten bad, way back when
When white was white, and black was black 
My colored friend thrown on his back 
By prejudice kids out of whack 
They wouldn't even cut him slack 
He was the only black kid in our town 
No wonder he walked with his head down 
His face wound often wear a frown 
He'd thought that he was the town clown 
But he was my friend none-the-less 
And for that I'd get in quite a mess 
The reasons why, well...can't you guess? 
I wasn't Ken, I must confess 

It was the other kids I've learned to know 
Who were the creeps and tried to show 
The odd-ball kid who wore a fro 
Their places were no places for him to go 
Until one day when I brought Ken to a party 
I brought Ken along for those creeps to see 
That Ken was just like you and me 
And by nights end they'd most agree 
We laughed and joked and had our fun 
And they got to know Ken one-on-one 
No more did Ken have to run 
For being chased when school was done 
After a while when years gone by 
I'd often think and wonder why 
All those creepy kids would try 
Their best to make my friend, Ken, cry 
Then just like that, the moment came 
I realized who was the blame 
It wasn't the creepy kid's faults game 
It was their creepy parents- what a shame

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Valsa George November 19, 2024 at 7:14 PM I love this story, dear Charlie. Even as a child, you were able to see a human being and assess his worth looking into his heart and not on the color of his skin. You must have got this gift of broader outlook as a result of good breeding by your parents. When you took him to the party, the other boys could know more of him and the stigma on him was slowly lifted. A great entry for the contest. All the best dear friend.

David Crandall November 18, 2024 at 10:37 AM Wow, great story Charles!

Victor Buhagiar October 29, 2024 at 9:05 AM Excellent poem. It's good to care for others. Charles Messina October 29, 2024 at 3:40 PM Thank you, Victor! Indeed!

Michael Tor October 29, 2024 at 7:14 AM Love this Charlie. What a great Hero story. You will never be forgotten by this young man, for your Heroic deed in helping him. God bless you my friend for having the courage and helping this young man assimilate in school by inviting him to a party. You went far and beyond the call of Duty Charlie. At a young age you were a smart young man to notice racism and know that behind it all it was their parents who instilled this hate behavior toward someone who is different. You will be rewarded... Charles Messina October 29, 2024 at 3:42 PM Michael, great to see you. Thanks for the uplifting comments, my friend. I was rewarded with a great friendship already! God bless...

Deb M October 29, 2024 at 6:15 AM Brilliant write Charlie and you my friend are a perfect example of kindness and a good heart! You didn’t see colour you only saw Ken and you made such a difference to Kens life. You were lucky to have met Ken and he you!! I love this poem. I am so glad to see you back Charlie! Deb Mx Charles Messina October 29, 2024 at 3:44 PM Thank you so much for your kind words, Deb. I am happy to be back too...my muse was going in every direction but here lately. Will be stopping by...Charlie x

Karen Jones October 29, 2024 at 5:40 AM Charles this is engaging inspiring and entertaining! It should be a movie! What a wonderful story and how courageous you were! I bet this will win first place! Good luck! And how cool you still are! Charles Messina October 29, 2024 at 5:52 AM Thanks so much for you lovely comments, Karen! This could've been a movie...sending love, Charlie