Notice of absence from Poetic Licence
Where did the weekend go!!
Who said good things last!!!.
Where did the weekend go!!
Who said good things last!!!.
Cereal to Eat.
It’s a different man from yesterday, at our breakfast table
Touching, kissing our stepmum and eating our only cereal
Maybe she did not tell him that's all we have to eat today
Take what he wants, like all the others he will be on his way
Another young man who passes through our house at night
She chases his manhood and pushes us children to one side
We will clear the bottles later and try to tidy up our home
She will be back in the pub, leaving us kids once again alone
I try to look after my half-sisters the best a young boy can
While she is flirting and getting more drunk with every man
There will be many men at our table over the coming weeks
All I can hope for, is they leave us some of our cereal to eat.
Nataiella (1975).
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Author:
Tobani / Nataiella (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: July 16th, 2025 02:33
- Comment from author about the poem: I wrote this when i was young, when i was very young i occasionally was made to go and stay with my step mother for the holidays, which i hated.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 76
- Users favorite of this poem: Cheeky Missy, Poetic Licence, Tristan Robert Lange, Bella Shepard
Offline)
Comments9
A confusing world for a child. This poem tells of a child's priorities neglected by adults. The confusion of relationship roles and unfulfilled physical needs. A difficult poem to read of so called modern relationships. Nicely written Nataiella
Thank you for your understanding feedback, very much appreciated
Most welcome
Such a simple thing, the breakfast cereal and for a child to be denied this morning treat is in no uncertain terms, child abuse as is most of the content in this insightful and harrowing poem. Very well exposed in a down-to-earth narrative.
Wishing you all the best,
Tony.
Thank you, very much appreciated
Desperately difficult (not a good word - must be a better one out there) situation to find yourself in, Tobani. Only thought , perhaps possible to have would be something like "one day I'll grow up and get out of here....."
Thank you for your feedback, I had to go there until my care order was made permanent when I was 8, then I never went back
Words don't adequately describe the sympathy I feel.
The poem "Cereal to Eat" presents a stark and poignant portrayal of a child's experience living in a dysfunctional home. It revolves around neglect, instability, and the longing for basic needs amidst chaos. includes familial relationships, the impact of adult behaviors on children, and the struggle for emotional and physical sustenance in a home where parental figures prioritize their desires over their children's well-being.
Thank you for your understanding feedback, very much appreciated
This is heartbreaking, Nataiella. You’ve captured a child’s voice with painful clarity...the quiet strength, the forced maturity, the yearning for stability in a world that keeps shifting underfoot. The repetition of the cereal is devastating in its simplicity. A powerful, necessary poem. Thank you for sharing this truth. 🌹👏
Thank you for your understanding feedback, very much appreciated
You are most welcome.
Powerful work.
Thank you, very much appreciated
A graphic image of harlotry in action, the poverty seems nearly passé, while the misery looks on without a blink, and that common denominator known as cereal is the poster child. Beautifully rendered with excellent imagery and a painfully haunting poignancy. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, very much appreciated
A truly sad reflection on neglect, one that no child should ever have to bear, and yet many do as you did. You tell it honestly, as only a young boy could feel it at the time, what else could you do but the best you were able. Kudos my friend!
Thank you for your understanding feedback, very much appreciated
Strong words Tobani, life must have been hard but you c=have come through it.
Andy
Thank you
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