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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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Date: 2/25/2025 8:25:00 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.
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Date: 2/18/2025 3:31:00 PM
childhood is innocent, for the benefit of kids, thanks for the moving poem
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Date: 2/18/2025 1:39:00 PM
Aww such a lovely poem Jerry! Debx
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Date: 2/17/2025 3:39:00 PM
Well said Jerry. Kids generally don't understand and can be cruel but you had a great teacher who gave you confidence
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Date: 2/17/2025 12:04:00 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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