Learnings of the Day

For the people like me, left behind by their family who were supposed to be there forever

   Learnings of the Day 

By: Gwenn the little girl

October 17, 2009 

Today I learned, that life could be confusing 

A while ago, Mommy was screaming at Daddy with hate 

Daddy packed his bags, and slammed the gate 

I didn't know why, maybe because I didn't wash the plates? 

Daddy, where are you going? 

October 22, 2009

Today I learned, that life could make you cry 

I crept towards the kitchen, I saw Brother holding a knife tight 

He stood up, patted my head, said it's alright 

He thought I didn't see, but there were tears in his eyes 

Brother, where are you going? 

October 24, 2009

Today I learned, that life could make you unwell 

I peeked in Sister's room, I saw her staring outside 

She was holding a lot of pills, I didn't know she was sick 

I asked her why, she smiled and said, "To make it quick." 

Sister, where are you going? 

October 25, 2009

Nothing happened today 

Sister and I are staying at aunt's house 

As to why, they wouldn't say 

All I know, is that for a while, Mommy has to go away 

Mommy, where are you going? 

             October 27, 2009

Today I learned, that life could be is sad 

It's my birthday tomorrow 

Daddy's 'other' child, and Mommy's new husband are coming 

I'm supposed to feel glad! 

But why, oh why, am I in sorrow? 

October 28, 2009 

Big bags were supposed to be for a long trip, right? 

But why didn't Daddy include everyone else? 

Knives were supposed to be for food, right? 

But why did Brother cut himself? 

Medicine were supposed to be for feeling well, right? 

But why did Sister take them when she isn't sick? 

'Going away for a while' was supposed to be short, right? 

But why did Mommy not come back? 

Everyone, where are you going? 

Please don't leave me

Please.

Author's Note

I'd like to clarify something. The wreckage of a family did happen to me, and I added some of my personal experience in this poem. However, I added some details to emphasize the confusion and grief of the little child. I do not have a brother or sister as I am an only child, but I added the characters to make it seem more relatable to countless people like me.

I am writing to express the confusion in the perception of a little child experiencing the separation of a family, and the child too young to fully understand it. The child feels as if everyone is slowly but surely leaving and not coming back.

The sister and brother did not really commit suicide, they are just trying to shed the pain through cuts and excessive medication. In a way, both siblings are dead to the child since "Brother" and "Sister" are different now. They were not the protective big brother and caring older sister like they used to be.

...

Please do not repost my work and claim it as your own. It really hurts to see cases like that. It's like I gave the only remaining working piece of my heart to offer, then people just snatch it away from you and say that it's theirs. Please don't. If you ever want to use it, please ask first. Thank you.

GOD BLESS

Reviews

[Joey Nizz]

Such a great piece of writing Gwen!
Life can sure give us lessons to learn that not even schools or anyone can teach us.

Thank you for sharing this has been very good read!

[CAPOLAVORO]

Wow oh wow. You are definitely good in providing us a piece that is definitely worth to read. The innocence of the child in here is clearly visible. I like how you go on from time to time and the emotions are arsing each time. Great piece! Own it well!

Sincerely,
CAPOLAVORO

[Coyote Poetry]

Life teaches us many lesson. More bad than good. Your poem made the reader feel the confusions of the actions of others. A powerful poem.
Coyote

[wordman]

i guess we learn that all is not well,and we don`t live happily ever after,,,touching write

[Gwenn the little girl]

True in some cases, but I still try with all my might to find hope in this world full of despair. Thank you Wordman! :)

[wordman]

so you make your own life real for you and your family..a fairy tale life

[Sapientiam]

"Please don't leave me
Please."

This last part broke me because I really felt for you and these characters. It was like a story I never wanted to end because I just want a happy ending for all of them. Though, life has proven that what we want isn't often what we get.

I perceived this poem on both a literal and personal level. I didn't have a "broken family", but I do understand tragedy. The confusion that arises when family members die is what plagued my childhood and tainted my innocence. I do have brothers and sisters and losing a twin and almost losing a brother was enough to inject the fear of death into me. Even more, the fear of being left alone, since I'm the youngest, still haunts me today. Others have died in my family, but there was always the fear. That dreadful fear of everyone just "leaving"... And there was nothing I could do to stop the process. Though, I've realized through ordeals such as the one you expressed and others, you will never lose without gaining. That is simply a fraction of the beauty of life, if we are willing to give it one more chance when it fails us.

Thank you for sharing this poem!

[Gwenn the little girl]

Thank you so much, Sapientiam! Yes, death can be often fearful with the knowledge that the ones you love will never come back. The last part of your poem really helps me, where you said you never lose without gaining. Words like yours make my day, honestly. It's really nice to realize that someone still cares and empathizes with you.

Your review really helped me.

Thank you so much Sapientem for your message :)

[Najam Us Saher]

While I was reading I felt that such poetry can be written when one goes through it. You really expressed your emotions very well. I can feel how difficult life must have been for you.

[Gwenn the little girl]

Thank you Najam! Simple encouragements like yours are what keeps m life bright and shining. :)

[Najam Us Saher]

So kind of you... you are most welcome ☺