The Reject

I never felt a part of things,
Never felt like I belonged,
Never felt like I was wanted,
And I always really longed,

To feel like someone wanted me,
To feel like I fit in,
To be included in the things,
With family and friends.

For reasons that I couldn't know,
I always got pushed back;
Kept quiet and out of their way,
As though somehow I lacked,

Some social graces that perchance,
Might cause some consternation,
If I should come into the room,
And spoil their celibration.

I could have some food, some cake,
Then get out of the way.
Don't mingle with the guests at all,
Sit down if you will stay.

My sister's wedding hurt the most,
That's when I really saw,
I was like a well known guest,
Not part of things at all.

They did not even want me,
In the picture with them all.
I was told to stand aside,
And wait till I was called.

Not part of the wedding party,
I was not allowed,
To be photographed along with them,
In case it might becloud,

My sister's perfect moment,
Immortalized in time,
And I did not fit in with them,
There wasn't room in line;

And so it's been most of my life,
Rejected most by those,
Who should be closest to me,
Even the mate I chose;

So it's no wonder that I built,
A wall for my protection.
When I reached out I got pushed back,
I'm tired of such rejection.

                                        Judy Ball


It's very important to consider the feelings of your children.
What happens to us in our formative years often stays with us forever.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Kendrick Avatar
November 4, 2011 at 2:40 PM
Very impressive work..I am saddened that you felt bad in your life and had feelings of being left out..You are an excellent poet probably from the growth on the inside from feelings on nonacceptance on the outside..Or is this just a topic on which you have written to advice on including each child in the family..Thanks for the kind review of my work..Sara
Ball Avatar
November 6, 2011 at 2:11 PM
Thank you so much Sara. Glad you liked it. God Bless, JB
Ball Avatar
October 29, 2011 at 3:04 PM
Thanks so much Andrea for your input here. It was just a funny life I grew up in. My mom had a lot of issues. She was and is a very confused person. I usually say she still has her canoe but she lost her paddle a long time ago. At any rate, I always got pushed back in most occasions. I'm o.k. though. Don't worry about me. God Bless, JB :)
Dietrich Avatar
October 28, 2011 at 10:52 PM
Judy, I know this might sound strange, but are you a second child? My sister is second and feels this way deeply. But in our later years,I have become her best friend and my other sisters rarely email me. I see it in other families too. often the second born feels this way and it's a complicated issue. Or in your case, it could be something completely different. Just something I read about when studying birth order in college and then seeing it in life. LUv, Andrea
Maverick Avatar
October 25, 2011 at 12:27 AM
You know Judy, i think everyone has had a little of this in their life..it just depends how...and if you let it effect you:) i also think your poetry will be the best antidote. ..remember) also that certain people are required to be in this world yet not a part of it...! yours Joe..
Ball Avatar
October 25, 2011 at 6:24 AM
Thanks so much Joe. Your words remind me of a saying that goes: "We are in this world, not of it." Thanks so much for reminding me of that. God Bless and have a great day. JB
Wesley Avatar
October 24, 2011 at 5:05 PM
And so dear Judy, you give what you never had! What insight it takes to analyze the disapoointment and turn it into something positive. We love you here on Soup. Hugs to you always. Lizzy
Ball Avatar
October 25, 2011 at 6:19 AM
Thanks so much Liz. Your words are a healing balm as usual. God Bless my friend. JB
Zzzzz Avatar
October 24, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Such a sad poem, written in heartfelt style. My parents never had much money, but I know they always loved me, and my sisters too. It must be awful to feel unloved by your own kin. We do need to love, and show our love. Thanks for sharing~Robert.
Ball Avatar
October 24, 2011 at 4:10 PM
Thanks so much Bob. I guess now and then we write from experience. My kids always knew I loved them and would die fighting for them. God Blesss, JB
Falotico Avatar
October 23, 2011 at 9:22 AM
Yes it does.... But in time we do find our way... and I hope you have found yours... Michael
Ball Avatar
October 23, 2011 at 9:37 AM
Thanks so much Michael. I agree. God Bless, JB
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