Sticks and Stones

Some childhood memories stay with you for life, even the hard lessons.

Play-yard circle, miniature colosseum

Blood giver or blood bringer, the only choice

This is the place where children learn,

No desire for pain creation, but necessity is served

The object of survival is gained by the fist,

Proof that sticks and stones CAN break bones,

Now with gladiators’ heart burning bright, I demolish my foe

Cheering crowds of classmates roar and receive the crimson gift with joy,

In the Hypogeum teachers condemn and parents scold,

Who built the colosseum? You know well…

Your hands stacked the blocks.

 

                                  2015

 

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

Powerful and direct words. I liked them.
"Who built the colosseum? You know well…
Your hands stacked the blocks."
The above lines are a solid ending. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, this was how it was when i was in grade school...the rumbles, the fist fights...much different now---much more dangerous...it's guns...random violence...we had what we might have called, innocent violence. Catholic schools...

j.

[Willard Wells]

Nice memories of a childhood playground score settlement. I do recall some of those. Time have changed with equally the score not so often handled with a gun, knife or baseball bat. fisticuffs have not come forward as a gentleman's way of settling a disagreement.

In those days after the deeds was done everyone when about their business and often shook hands. Not now. It's all about payback and revenge.

Well done work. Thanks for sharing

[softlyfall]

Sticks and stones can break your bones but words can break your heart.
Bullying in schools is a tragic social result of lack of parenting and achievable goals. There were always bullies, but they were championed by other children who offered to defend. Now they make videos on cell phones and laugh, devoid of humanity and in danger of losing contact with their own souls.
I apologize for my vent.
And-
Great poem, much induced pathos

[Phillip Francis]

Excellent. This rekindles some of my own childhood experiences.

Thank you for sharing.

[Mikayla]

This poem so far on this site is defiantly my favorite. I't is also so true it really caught my attention.