Dog Eat Dog World
A poem from my troubled youth11 total reviews
Comment from Debi Pick Marquette
Whoa! This is some mighty powerful Stuff!! I am impressed with the amount of talent you already had back then. I sensed a rough life in your younger years, that didn't seem to get any better, as I'm referring to the horrible accident that took your daughter from you. My heart aches for you every time I think of that, dear Sandra!
Yet this poem was special, as It is raw, courageous and honest. Yet when I look back when you first joined us, you still seemed to have some of this pain following you. (I'm not taking about the loss of your daughter because a mother's heart will always yearn her her child) But from then to now, you seem like a different person. You have opened up your heart to us and learned to trust. And in return we have learned to love you, as deeply as we love anyone else here. You are a breath of fresh air, such an asset to FS and I think I speak for most everyone when I say, we would be lost without you!
Thank you for sharing this with us and congrats on the awesome win!
So deserving my very dear friend!
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2022
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Whoa! This is some mighty powerful Stuff!! I am impressed with the amount of talent you already had back then. I sensed a rough life in your younger years, that didn't seem to get any better, as I'm referring to the horrible accident that took your daughter from you. My heart aches for you every time I think of that, dear Sandra!
Yet this poem was special, as It is raw, courageous and honest. Yet when I look back when you first joined us, you still seemed to have some of this pain following you. (I'm not taking about the loss of your daughter because a mother's heart will always yearn her her child) But from then to now, you seem like a different person. You have opened up your heart to us and learned to trust. And in return we have learned to love you, as deeply as we love anyone else here. You are a breath of fresh air, such an asset to FS and I think I speak for most everyone when I say, we would be lost without you!
Thank you for sharing this with us and congrats on the awesome win!
So deserving my very dear friend!
Comment Written 21-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2022
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Thank you, for your kind words of support. Yes, I had a hell laced childhood, teenaged years (rape-read the poem in my portfolio entitled RUNAWAY) and as an adult the loss of my only child. I am tired. Life hasn't treated me well, but I did survive.
Hope you are feeling better and continue to make good progress.
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I will definitely read it and as much as I had a rough one myself, it doesn't seem to compare to what you have been through. As friends, I would like it if you would read my auto biography, called
"I was a ghost and a goblin"
Which explains most of my life, but left out the part that my godfather and uncle molested me at 7 years old, and threatened that if I told anyone that something bad would happen to my dad. So like my rape at 17, I kept the secret shame held inside for many years. I am still working on healing that shame by using my writing to mostly use humor to deal with the hurt. We do have much in common and I think that is why I took to you right from the beginning as I could feel your pain. And now I see one of the loveliest people I know.
God Bless you my friend and we will talk soon.
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I will definitely read it and as much as I had a rough one myself, it doesn't seem to compare to what you have been through. As friends, I would like it if you would read my auto biography, called
"I was a ghost and a goblin"
Which explains most of my life, but left out the part that my godfather and uncle molested me at 7 years old, and threatened that if I told anyone that something bad would happen to my dad. So like my rape at 17, I kept the secret shame held inside for many years. I am still working on healing that shame by using my writing to mostly use humor to deal with the hurt. We do have much in common and I think that is why I took to you right from the beginning as I could feel your pain. And now I see one of the loveliest people I know.
God Bless you my friend and we will talk soon.
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I am so sorry, you too experienced at the age of 7 such horrible things from those who should have loved you. You have handled that pain with such grace. I must admit it has made me bitter and not joyful. I cannot handle it with humor. I will read your autobiography entry. Thanks for everything you have done for me today.
Comment from karenina
Oh, I wish I'd saved a six! First....CONGRATULATIONS ON FIRST PLACE!
It breaks my heart that your twelve year old self knew such I justice...
God gave you the gift of writing to shine a light on the shadowy places so many refuse to acknowledge...
Your Miss or Mrs. Caldwell saved your treasures...
Bless her, for now you have shared this with us!
Karenina
reply by the author on 09-Jul-2022
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Oh, I wish I'd saved a six! First....CONGRATULATIONS ON FIRST PLACE!
It breaks my heart that your twelve year old self knew such I justice...
God gave you the gift of writing to shine a light on the shadowy places so many refuse to acknowledge...
Your Miss or Mrs. Caldwell saved your treasures...
Bless her, for now you have shared this with us!
Karenina
Comment Written 09-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 09-Jul-2022
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Thank you I was excited to get my first 1st place win. She's a Miss, and she saved me. Thank you for such a kind review.
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The first of MANY, I predict!
:)
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Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Comment from Rachelle Allen
Omigoodness! What a beautiful story in your author's notes!! I agree with your assessment: she knew you had immense talent...and you were obviously SO very special to her. She was a true educator, in the finest sense of the word. I am so glad I got to read this work by you today. She was so right to expect great things of you. Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 08-Jul-2022
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Omigoodness! What a beautiful story in your author's notes!! I agree with your assessment: she knew you had immense talent...and you were obviously SO very special to her. She was a true educator, in the finest sense of the word. I am so glad I got to read this work by you today. She was so right to expect great things of you. Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 08-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 08-Jul-2022
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Thank you so much for reading my 7th grade poem and rating it. In my portfolio is a poem I read at her memorial service and a photo of her.
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Oh, I will be checking that out, for sure! Thanks for the head's up. xo
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You are welcome. I plan to go to your portfolio this evening and read your poetry too.
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Oh, how disappointed you are going to be, Sandra! I'm just getting back into the wonderful groove that is FanStory after, I believe, a four-year hiatus. So, at the moment anyway, there's no portfolio to share!! Soon, though!!
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Okay!
Comment from Terry Broxson
This is a powerfully written poem! I do wish you luck in the contest. It saddens this old coots heart to know that people have been forced to live the way you describe. But I know it happens to millions. Keep writing, Great work. Terry.
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2022
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This is a powerfully written poem! I do wish you luck in the contest. It saddens this old coots heart to know that people have been forced to live the way you describe. But I know it happens to millions. Keep writing, Great work. Terry.
Comment Written 07-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2022
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Thank you for reading and rating my poem. I am blessed I survived a difficult childhood.
Comment from Annmuma
At twelve years old, your talent for expressing your thoughts through words was extra-ordinary. I cannot even imagine the same world that you grew up in -- though it surrounded me in Louisiana. The world is a better place because you did not give up or give in, but grew up and, somewhere, somehow recognized your worth and your strength. For one, I am glad - not just for you, but for me and the opportunity to peek inside your life. Good luck in the contest. ann
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2022
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At twelve years old, your talent for expressing your thoughts through words was extra-ordinary. I cannot even imagine the same world that you grew up in -- though it surrounded me in Louisiana. The world is a better place because you did not give up or give in, but grew up and, somewhere, somehow recognized your worth and your strength. For one, I am glad - not just for you, but for me and the opportunity to peek inside your life. Good luck in the contest. ann
Comment Written 06-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 07-Jul-2022
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Annmuma, Thank you for your supportive comments and exceptional rating. In my portfolio is a narrative poem and photo of the teacher, Mary Elizabeth Caldwell, who saved me. It is called, "My Teacher". Without her presence in my life, I shudder to think how I would be today. I appreciate your kindness.
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I will be reading My Teacher. thanks. ann
Comment from Jumbo J
Hi Sandra,
The back story is truly beautiful and may I say, profound... very touching.
I guess this is the mind and the art of a twelve year old growing up and experiencing what she sees and is influenced by.
It's enlightening in the form that it is written. I have to say, your teacher Mary Elizabeth Caldwell kept your work for a good reason... she knew as do we, the worth of your artistry... and I am so glad your work and memories returned home, back with you where they started.
I think that when I was twelve I was lucky if I said much at all, let alone wrote poetry of substance... well done young Sandra. An 'A' for aptitude.
How delightful that someone here decided to create this writing prompt and allow us to see and read these kinds of memories... brilliant!
Enjoyed reading young Sandra's excellent poem.
With our thoughts we create...
memories of years that shaped a soul.
Kind regards,
James.
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2022
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Hi Sandra,
The back story is truly beautiful and may I say, profound... very touching.
I guess this is the mind and the art of a twelve year old growing up and experiencing what she sees and is influenced by.
It's enlightening in the form that it is written. I have to say, your teacher Mary Elizabeth Caldwell kept your work for a good reason... she knew as do we, the worth of your artistry... and I am so glad your work and memories returned home, back with you where they started.
I think that when I was twelve I was lucky if I said much at all, let alone wrote poetry of substance... well done young Sandra. An 'A' for aptitude.
How delightful that someone here decided to create this writing prompt and allow us to see and read these kinds of memories... brilliant!
Enjoyed reading young Sandra's excellent poem.
With our thoughts we create...
memories of years that shaped a soul.
Kind regards,
James.
Comment Written 06-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2022
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James, thank you. You always have pleasant comments for me. I am glad you finally found your voice because it needs to be heard. In my portfolio is a narrative poem entitled "My Teacher". It is about Liz. Check it out when you have a moment. There is also a photo of her.
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My pleasure... and yes, I will check it out when time permits... that'd be great, Elizabeth Mary, sounds like the kind of teacher dedicated to her students... so yes, I will be checking that one out, for sure!
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Thank you!
Comment from Wendy G
How very profound, and insightful for a girl of twelve. Yes, she definitely saw your potential and knew you were gifted. Your poem amazes me with its depth of feeling and understanding. I wonder if anything has changed ...
Best wishes for your entry in the contest.
Wendy
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2022
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How very profound, and insightful for a girl of twelve. Yes, she definitely saw your potential and knew you were gifted. Your poem amazes me with its depth of feeling and understanding. I wonder if anything has changed ...
Best wishes for your entry in the contest.
Wendy
Comment Written 06-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2022
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Thank you, Wendy, for always being a source of support. Yes, quite a bit has changed because I am now almost 68. LOL
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I hope the prejudice is less as well, and that the skin colour is not what you are judged by. Skin colour is irrelevant and I don't like to know racism is still prevalent in places. Best wishes for your on-going writing. Wendy
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The racism has not lessened. Thank you for being a kind person.
Comment from Theodore McDowell
Good response to the writing prompt. You have highlighted some universal traumas of growing up and some that are unique to being a black woman or man in American society. Good job.
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2022
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Good response to the writing prompt. You have highlighted some universal traumas of growing up and some that are unique to being a black woman or man in American society. Good job.
Comment Written 06-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2022
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Thank you, Theo, for your support of my poetry and your exceptional rating. Congratulations! on all of your various winning categories. You are on fire! I have joined another poetry site similar to this one called AllPoetry. Check it out.
Comment from Fleedleflump
Your last two stanzas are stunningly stark and packed with the power we have at our fingertips when we're young, not knowing what we're wielding but knowing we need an outlet.
This is exactly the sort of thing I was hoping for in the contest - those raw, early pieces we can still learn from.
Thank you so much for sharing :-)
Mike
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2022
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Your last two stanzas are stunningly stark and packed with the power we have at our fingertips when we're young, not knowing what we're wielding but knowing we need an outlet.
This is exactly the sort of thing I was hoping for in the contest - those raw, early pieces we can still learn from.
Thank you so much for sharing :-)
Mike
Comment Written 06-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2022
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Thank you. I was an intense child, and now I am an intense woman. Thank goodness, I have learned to control it a bit more. Just a bit! lol
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
Even as a youth (I would have liked to know at what age by a word in the author's note) you wrote poetry that had meaning, significance, and the raw power excused the raw edges. I appreciated (enjoyed is not an appropriate word) your recital of the fights you faced, some of which were universal to all teenagers, others that were linked to that demon, skin colour. Well chosen from your archives. Kate xx
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reply by the author on 06-Jul-2022
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Even as a youth (I would have liked to know at what age by a word in the author's note) you wrote poetry that had meaning, significance, and the raw power excused the raw edges. I appreciated (enjoyed is not an appropriate word) your recital of the fights you faced, some of which were universal to all teenagers, others that were linked to that demon, skin colour. Well chosen from your archives. Kate xx
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 06-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2022
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Thank you so much for supporting my youth poetry. I appreciate your comments. If you scroll down under the contest info, you will find my author's note. I was 12 years old and in 7th grade.
