Who Knew

Back when I was a child, 
they said I was poor, 
but I did not know it.

Until one of my teachers pointed at me and said, 
it’s okay for you to show it, 
and that you have no cause for shame.

I should have asked her then, 
but my mind didn’t comprehend,
and to this day I still think about what message 
she was trying to send. 

Ashamed of what— I never knew, 
so I lived my childhood
without ever having a clue. 
Maybe there was something,
or someone I should blame.

But I was never one to follow the rules of the game.

I just smiled and said okay, 
then I walked out to join my friends,
on the playground’s monkey bars.

I was the king of the monkey bars,
and I was not ashamed of that either.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

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Wolf Avatar
February 25, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Really. It doesn't bother us (unless we are emaciated and starving or something.) I wore the baggiest pairs of second-hand pants 'til I 'woke up' at age 13.
Rolland Avatar
February 18, 2025 at 3:31 PM
childhood is innocent, for the benefit of kids, thanks for the moving poem
M  Avatar
February 18, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Aww such a lovely poem Jerry! Debx
Mckeithan Avatar
February 17, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Well said Jerry. Kids generally don't understand and can be cruel but you had a great teacher who gave you confidence
De Beaulieu Avatar
February 17, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Helllo Jerry to be poor is nothing to be ashamed of. I grew up poor as well. It did not bother me. i just lived my life the best I could. so nice to see you. Enjoy your day my friend. /Darlene/
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