Reaching

Unwanted by parents, love never shown; Torn from her siblings and everything known. Put into a system at the age of three; hope and rejection, each learned by degree. Eighteen and alone, told she must now fly; she wasn't shown how to reach for the sky. November 8, 2021 Bite Size Poem No. 26 Contest By Line Gauthier Honorable Mention There are approximately 1.5 million children in the U.S. abandoned each year. Approximately 2,018 are abused or neglected each day. They're torn from siblings, friends, schools, lives, placed into the system, and tossed from family to family.

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Susan Ashley

Date: 11/26/2021 12:07:00 PM

Dear Ann, your compassionate pen spills a scene filled with poignancy. Emotionally moving, your metaphorical expression reaches deeply into one's heart with its sad but true poetic beauty. Congratulations on your fine win in Line's contest and kudos for bringing this plight to light with such exquisite artistry. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Ann Peck
Date: 11/26/2021 2:04:00 PM

Dear Susan, Your lyrical words are so beautiful! Thank you for your lovely comments. take good care.

Greg Gaul

Date: 11/19/2021 1:49:00 PM

A passionate story very well told in rhyme and brevity with wisdom, that sails above it all. Well reached.

Ann Peck
Date: 11/19/2021 2:31:00 PM

Thank you, Greg. You are so kind.

Sam Kauffman

Date: 11/19/2021 9:23:00 AM

So poignant Ann. The tragedy of the foster system powerfully expressed in metaphor and your images "at eighteen and alone she must now fly...she wasn't shown how to reach for the sky." Amazing lines. Congratulations on your win!

Ann Peck
Date: 11/19/2021 10:36:00 AM

Sam, thank you so much for your wonderful comments! I wasn't aware of the tragedy endured by foster care children until I read several books recently. I can't believe we give these children so little hope.

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 11/19/2021 8:43:00 AM

Congratulations on your win. What a story/write in just 6 lines. So very sad but so very true. Have a blessed day/weekend..................

Ann Peck
Date: 11/19/2021 8:56:00 AM

Dear Paula, thank you for your nice words. Those children have a sad life and little hope for the future.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 11/19/2021 6:12:00 AM

Ann, this says so much! Childhood often sets our path. God bless the solitary souls. Congratulations!

Ann Peck
Date: 11/19/2021 8:54:00 AM

Thank you, Kim. Yes, such sadness in a single life. And we wonder where the homeless come from.

Line Gauthier

Date: 11/18/2021 9:29:00 PM

poignant poem. (Suggestion for your consideration: "Put into a system at the age of three;")

Ann Peck
Date: 11/19/2021 8:51:00 AM

Thank you, Line, for honoring my poem and for the really good suggestion! I've rewritten my poem, changing your suggestion just a bit but it makes the poem much better. I'll repost tomorrow.

Sarah Stein

Date: 11/16/2021 9:08:00 AM

Wow. Such emotion behind these words.

Ann Peck
Date: 11/17/2021 8:41:00 AM

I know! Well, I hadn't thought much about this subject until I read 3 NYT bestsellers by Paula McLain, who was one in the system. Everything imaginable is thrown at these kids and then, at 18, they're dumped into the world with nothing (in most cases). I appreciate your comments.

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 11/12/2021 8:50:00 PM

My sister in law works in the foster care system and it is so tragic what those poor children have to endure, I think your last line so sad yet also offers a glimmer of hope~

Ann Peck
Date: 11/13/2021 7:08:00 AM

It's hard to imagine how they survive with any confidence. I bought a book on how the system was formed from the pen of someone who lived it, and found I just couldn't read it. It's all too sad. Thanks, Michele, for your comments. I appreciate.

Rico Leffanta

Date: 11/8/2021 10:12:00 AM

I wondered how religion was created; no hope on earth so reach for the sky? Like a sunflower, some rise and blossom whilst the majority wither and die. I enjoy reading your work!

Ann Peck
Date: 11/8/2021 10:45:00 AM

You're so kind, Rico. You have the sharpest mind I know, and I know some university profs who think their minds are the sharpest. :) I love your limericks! And, yes, there is a glimmer of hope. I've just read three NY Best Sellers by a woman who grew up in the system.