Cleft lip kisses

memories

I remember the kid
with the cleft lip
whose mom packed milkbones in his lunch.
and the girl who cried
when she stepped on the health class scale.
the kid whose dandruff was so bad,
everyone said he had cooties --
my mom made me give him a valentine every year.
the boy who got made fun of
because he had the same boots as me
and the girl with the cute older brother
who used to charge the boys for a look up her skirt.
my fake boyfriend.
my real boyfriend.
my first kiss.
the girl who beat me up
and the teacher who told me to "have a thicker skin".
the girl who told the whole bus
about my first period,
and her mom's assessment that at twelve,
I must not be a virgin.

I wonder how
or if
any of them
remember me.

Author's Note

I was bullied. And I remember the kids who were too.

Reviews

[Rene Salinas]

What a way to bring back memories. I had steel toe caps at school. Apparently they lasted longer and that also goes for many other outer garments. What was up with the whole "lasting longer"? But the resounding attitude is what takes me. I must have taken part on saying something to others completely based in ignorance. In fact shouldn't that be the time to teach how to embrace differences? So when we come to adulthood we have more capabilities to understand each other? So many imposition in this writing, they're all heavy to carry.

Very intense.

Thankyou

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you very much. Grade school kids are cut throat.

[therisa]

For 11 years
I endured
Your offensive comments
And body blows
To me.

In the schooling system
Which you got away
With nothing more
Than a tap
Upon the wrists.

Do you remember me
I doubt it
But I do you.

Every time
I wake up
From a PTSD flashback.

My body atremblin'
Curled up
In a foetal position
Tears streaming
Upon my pillow.

Taking three days
Before I could say
Without any trembling
My body has recovered
From your abusive memories.

But worse
Are the words
That never go away.

Especially
Those targeting
My sexuality
As an 8 year old.

In labelling me
A gay f--
Who sucks c---s
When I'm not.

[Lyn Anderson]

I knew you would feel this one. It actually was partially inspired by our conversations.

[therisa]

Maybe, our conversations should take, a gentler turn, for the next little while. My poor pillows have become tear logged. And the little ones, walking sponges, from the tears spilt upon them. Darn it, am writing more poetry, without trying. Sigh.

[Lyn Anderson]

A double edged sword my friend.

[therisa]

I know, KL.

[Bright Ocean Star]

I also remember a girl in my early classes who had a bad case of warts on her hands, her face, and her elbows. Everyone teased her, and I admit, joined in. I think about her often and regret being mean. I don't remember anyone talking to us about bullying back then, or even correcting the harassment. Kids are much like dogs. They follow the pack leader pretty submissively. We need to do a better job of stepping up to teach the young ones it isn't right. Thank you, K. This one touched me on many levels, as your poetry often does.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you. I wasn't one who normally joined in, as I was always on the outside. Although once I got called to the principal's office for making fun of a girl's shoes. That was nothing compared to the hell my mom gave me. My mom raised me well.

[Bright Ocean Star]

I was the third after two boys who gave my parents fits. I think they were just happy to have a daughter that didn't get into a lot of trouble, they overlooked a lot. In many ways, I almost raised myself. Give your mom a huge hug and kiss for me. She did do a great job.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A well described set of memories with a sad reflective edge. The title threw me somewhat as it didn't quite describe the product?

[Lyn Anderson]

Funny, I think it is a perfect title. I think you missed it.:) Thanks for the review.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

we had those in grade school with cooties...those who looked up the skirts..."do patent leather shoes really reflect up?" as John Powers wrote.

it was like that----and we do wonder if people remember us as we remember them...

the bullies, the arrogants, the elegants and others.

[Lyn Anderson]

Thank you, yes, I just hope those kids survived and grew up and became great successes.

[Matching Socks]

Oh boy, this one hurts...
I think I know how I'm remembered and it ain't pretty.
Wow, this really affected me.

[Lyn Anderson]

It isn't nice is it? I really hope all those kids made it out like I did.

[Matching Socks]

Yeah. I don't know. I hope so.
This hit me right in the heart.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

how could you not be remembered well, Ana? i couldn't imagine...

[Matching Socks]

Kids are just mean... Especially when you're different.