Shame (What do you see?) (poem/book#1)

Root

Shame (What Do You See?)

These other kids have done so well.

You, you’re flunking in school.

You won’t do better

‘Cause you don’t want to do better.

What else do you have going on, huh?

Answer me!

You are a fool –

So sad you are a child of mine.

You are so dumb –

Hard to believe that you can be

So asinine.

It’s a shame.

[What do you see?]

You can see me,

But you can’t see me for me.

You can’t see that I did well

In five of my seven classes.

Like you are with your Visa,

Can’t you see that I’m behind?

Can’t you see that I need help?

Hurt and bruised by academia,

Can you nurse me back to health? (Pause)

You don’t know what you don’t know.

I am alone.

It’s a shame.

[What do you see?]

Root

You pride yourself

In your swift movement

Through this outdated, rote learning text

Just to hide the fact that half the class

Has been chronically left behind.

Can I not be taught to ride a bike

While going downhill?

Tomorrow we begin Chapter Six.

Today we are just beginning

To understand Chapter Four.

It’s a shame.

Aaaaarrgh! (Deep Victorious Breath) What do I see? (Pause)

I see

Your philosophy

Of excellence

Masking demands

For perfection –

You show me

No leniency.

Blinded by your rigid rules,

Noted and recorded,

Your gavel crushes love

And empathy.

Voiceless and hurt,

My rebellious acts

Hide my hope’s cries

For fear of being put aside –

Forever to infinity.

I am

Chronically stressed,

With unmet needs

At the bottom of Maslow’s hierarchy.

What do you feel? (Pause)

Root

Don’t judge.

Please help.

Please listen.

Don’t yell.

I’m hurt.

I’m broken.

I need this to pass.

I need this to pass.

I feel shame.

It’s a shame.

Thoughts of the week: How does shame make you feel? Be reflective. Think of times when you overcame shame. “I am thankful for my struggles because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength.” – Alex Elle




Have you read: Still Standing?