Time Out

miegsm

I was always a teacher’s pet

I think it was the lack of attention I received at home.

I was always the

Line Leader,

The most prestigious role

Of a preschooler.

I was never sent

To sit in the green chair.

I always followed the rules

To a T.

I was always a teacher’s pet

I think it was the lack of time from working parents.

I was the biggest tattletale

When rules were broken.

Aaliyah followed the rules too…

She was my only friend.

 

I was always the Mommy

Whenever we’d play ‘House’.

Aaliyah was my Sister,

I always protected her.

I was always the teacher’s pet

I think it was the way life made me grow up quickly.

Aaliyah and Alyssa

Fought over the doll,

It was Aaliyah’s turn,

Alyssa had a turn yesterday.

 

They pulled on the plastic doll,

Until Aaliyah let go and began to cry.

I thought of what my Mommy would do

Mommies always knew best.

I was always a teacher’s pet

I think it was the way I was disciplined at home.

Mommy always hit me when I misbehaved.

I raised my arm and landed my hand on

Alyssa’s back, the familiar smacking sound

Bringing me back into reality.

Alyssa began to cry and dropped the doll,

My cheeks flushed, realizing what I had done.

My heart began to beat out of my chest—

I handed the doll to Aaliyah; I knew I’d be in trouble.

I was always the teacher’s pet

I think it was the way I was finally disciplined properly.

I sat in the green chair as I sobbed

I’d rather get a spanking—

Mom’s shoe wasn’t this humiliating.

I apologized for hitting

And was revoked of my title

Until I worked my way up again.

I was always the teacher’s pet

I think it was Miss Annette and Miss Judy who taught me that Mommy wasn’t right for hitting me as discipline.

I thank Miss Annette and Miss Judy

Who dug out the weeds,

Of the toxic environment I grew up in

And watered the abandoned seeds my parents dropped—

With love, time, and patience.

Those preschool teachers

Whom I will always carry in my heart

As they were the nurturers

Of the world I would grow into.

 

The world that grew in green

And thrives with an array

Of rainbow flowers.

The garden of proper discipline

I will grow my own children in.

 

They will not be teacher’s pets,

 

They will be MY sunflowers.

  • Author: Mieg (Pseudonym) (Offline Offline)
  • Published: September 16th, 2023 17:39
  • Comment from author about the poem: A Reflection on Growing Up and Healing "Time Out" is a poignant poem that takes readers on a journey through my formative years, highlighting the complex interplay between childhood experiences and personal growth. The poem explores the notion of being a teacher's pet in preschool, not as a pursuit of favoritism but as a response to the lack of attention and discipline at home. Being raised in a home with (legal) immigrant parents proved hard on my relationships with them, as they were constantly working, leaving me feeling neglected. Through the eyes of a child, I couldn't comprehend the "esfuerzo," or, "effort" that my parents put into raising two children in a foreign country. Through vivid snapshots of my early friendships and role-playing games, an earnest desire to protect and care for others, even as they grapple with the harsh realities of discipline at home. The poem delves into the consequences of misguided discipline, juxtaposing it with the nurturing and patient guidance provided by preschool teachers Miss Annette and Miss Judy. As the poem unfolds, it beautifully captures the transformation of a once tumultuous and uncertain world into a flourishing garden of love, understanding, and proper discipline. It serves as a touching tribute to those who helped me find the path to healing and offers a vision of the nurturing environment I aspire to create for my own children—a world where they won't be teacher's pets but rather cherished sunflowers, basking in the warmth of love and compassion. "Time Out" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of positive influences in shaping our lives.
  • Category: Family
  • Views: 5
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Comments +

Comments1

  • Parisab

    So powerful and important to share-for whatever it is worth, I have spent my entire professional life on parent education with the major theme of the brain science and the role of stress on young children’s development- to not react to stress rather than to teach and learn-we did our best as kids and parents to survive life and do what we must-parenting is hard as you (and I) have found out, but look at you now! you are the sun and your kids are your ‘ sun flower’!



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