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Through this outdated, rote learning text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?
Have you read: Still Standing?
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You did it! Your self-authorized voice is both mighty and lovely. Thank you for being you. Thank you for your existence. Thank you for your leadership.
With Admiration,
fern the poet