Home » Poems » Caren Krutsinger » She Can'T Be Left-Handed

She Can'T Be Left-Handed

She can’t be left-handed, my mother told my dad. Miss Kneeland, the first grade teacher says it’s simply not the fad. There must be something wrong with her, the whole family agreed. Look at her right now, 40 feet in the air, upside down in that stupid Oak tree. So they made me wear a mitt on my left hand for an entire school year, Forcing me to use the other hand, their reason to this day is certainly not clear. But I do type 85 words a minute, thanks to that and the meanest typing teacher that ever was. But that story is for another time, as I’m in a great mood right now, and plan to keep my little buzz.

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Gershon Wolf

Date: 4/17/2018 9:49:00 AM

We share virtually the same story...right up through the typing. Pretty freaky. I first hit 85 wpm in 7th grade, 8 weeks into the typing course, on an old upright Smith-Corona (LOL there). Sometimes I think that I was supposed to be a girl: Good in English, typing, all that 'sissy stuff.' Good thing I was on the football team (terrified at getting crippled for life, which is about what happened--although at least there was a 45 year lag between first impact & disability). :) gw

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 4/13/2018 5:37:00 PM

I can't believe people used to do this to children. My daughter is left handed. She beat the odds. I read somewhere that it's normally an eldest son and rarely an eldest daughter that is left handed!! Also she was very tall for her age!! I enjoyed your poem.

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 4/14/2018 1:57:00 AM

I AM the eldest daughter!

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib

Date: 4/13/2018 2:19:00 PM

Big Full Belly Roar Of Laughter! Right into the faves drawer that goes ;) so awesome. <3 xomo!

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 4/14/2018 1:57:00 AM

Thank you Maureen. It's a treat when you stop by. Always a treat.

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 4/13/2018 9:45:00 AM

I know it's weird but I always kinda wished I were left handed - they just seem more creative and cool!

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 4/13/2018 1:40:00 PM

It was WRONG though, in the 50's Michelle. I was WRONG.

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 4/13/2018 7:51:00 AM

Fortunately USA had a lot of left-handed presidents Obama being the last! Ignorance and prejudices made many children suffer throughout history . You have proved them wrong though! Beautiful writing my friend, Caren!

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 4/13/2018 1:40:00 PM

Thank you Demetrios. I love it when you stop by.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 4/13/2018 7:19:00 AM

Frowned on years ago, thank god we've moved on from them times. Tom.

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 4/13/2018 7:32:00 AM

Yes, Tom, but if you had to wear a mitten on your best hand for an entire school year it might take YEARS foryou to find your real self.