My friend

sorenbarrett

Billy a rebellious child, in the classroom drove the teachers wild, always fiddling with a toy
Defiant of authority trouble his priority his unruly long hair badge of his dissident joy
One day he crossed the line, of his hair he made a shrine so no one could see him sleeping
The teacher upset the principal did get, deciding that his locks were ripe for reaping
No more if and or, his hair must be cut before he could come back to school
He went home that night and the next morning bright he played them all for a fool
Everyone did stare for he had cut his long hair, leaving it in a Mohawk
In his compliance he showed his defiance leaving the teacher and principal with no talk
Madder than before they sent him out the door, Indian heritage I have said he
Not wanting him to believe, thinking he sought to deceive, your pedigree we want to see
The next day he had shaved it all away and like a bedpost had waxed his head
Told that he must wear a toupee the very next day came back with a clown wig that was red
The teacher having enough went to fisticuffs, right between the rows
Grabbed by his tie teacher got a black eye fending off blows sporting a bloody nose
Through the ranks Billy rose now between each docile doze peaceful poetry he does compose

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Comments +

Comments12

  • orchidee

    A fine write SB. I knew a young person. Not as bad as Billy here, but at times in trouble at school. A church youth group where I was an Assistant Leader helped calm him down. He then grew to about 6ft 4 ins, got married, had children (some adopted too), but overdid things and sadly passed away aged 33.

    • sorenbarrett

      Thank you Orchi for the read and comment yes Billy was a childhood friend of mine and this series of events did occur down to the fist fight with the teacher in the eighth grade.

    • David Wakeling

      A great story of school room hero.It is fun to rebel when you've got nothing to lose.Well written saga

      • sorenbarrett

        Thank you David for the read and comment it means a great deal

      • arqios

        There is a Billy out there somewhere, probably in every village and town. Brings colour to life 🙏🏻🕊️

        • sorenbarrett

          Thanks so much Cryptic for your review and comment yes I love color and have gravitated toward it all my life.

        • Katie B.

          Delightful!!

          • sorenbarrett

            Thank you so much Katie I appreciate your review and comment

          • Friendship

            Your poem is exquisitely crafted, masterfully focusing on the transformative themes of rebellion and individuality, profoundly explored through the powerful lens of personal appearance and courageous nonconformity to authority, as vividly embodied by Billy's distinctive hairstyle, which stands as a potent beacon of resistance to societal norms. The narrative unfolds a triumphant series of declarations between Billy and authority figures, underscoring the unyielding tension between unbridled personal autonomy and institutional control.

            • sorenbarrett

              Thank you so much Friendship for your interpretation of this poem and although an actual story you have identified it as a metaphor and indeed it is as well and the reason that I have always been attracted to such individuals.

            • Tristan Robert Lange

              Soren, this is quite the ride. Billy’s rebellious spirit leaps off the page…each twist more outrageous than the last. The whole piece carries that mischievous energy of someone refusing to be boxed in. What a character you’ve brought to life here, I presume based off of a real person. Well done! 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦‍⬛

              • sorenbarrett

                Thanks Tristan for the read and comment it is as always most appreciated. Yes this was a friend of mine and each incident was true much to everyone's amusement except the teacher. The only thing added is his writing poetry but that is something I imagine he might do if he is still around today, haven't seen him in many years

                • Tristan Robert Lange

                  You are most welcome, my friend. A most amusing story indeed, and a wonderful poem.

                • Doggerel Dave

                  Great yarn Soren. Each line a chapter.

                  • sorenbarrett

                    Thanks Dave your words are most appreciated

                  • Jerry Reynolds

                    Good write, Sorenbarrett.

                    • sorenbarrett

                      Thank you so much Jerry I appreciate your review and comment

                    • Sami Khelifa

                      What a wild and witty ride—I love how Billy’s defiance finally found its home in poetry

                      • sorenbarrett

                        Thank you Sami for the read and comment it is most valued and appreciated.

                      • Kevin Hulme

                        Could have been me ; Early 70s . 'Get your Hair cut Boy'. From Hippy to Ronald McDonald. An enjoyable Poem.

                        • sorenbarrett

                          Thanks so much Kevin for the review and comment it is most appreciated

                        • Vipassana

                          ha!

                          • sorenbarrett

                            Thanks so much true story

                          • cully45

                            Great piece liked it a lot.



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