Once, When I Was Just A Lad (days of my youth)

Unmeterted Quatrains

˜'~·• Once, When I Was Just A Lad •·~'˜ 

~ sometimes, we learn so young ~ 

˜'~·•*•·~'˜ 

Once, when I was just a lad 

I would run and laugh and play, 

Look at ants 'n bugs real close 

finding out their every way. 

~·•*•·~ 

Catch fireflies in a jar 

fly beetles on a string, 

Run and jump and laugh 

so very high I'd swing. 

~·•*•·~ 

Pick flowers in the meadows 

watch other children's fun, 

Lay in cool grass gazing stars 

in excitement greet the sun. 

~·•*•·~ 

I could smile and say then, 

"I love you Uncle Bill," 

He had the red brick house 

high up on the hill. 

~·•*•·~ 

He married my Aunt Kate 

she was the sweetest of them all, 

They wanted to keep me there, 

but their fervent hopes did fall. 

~·•*•·~ 

My mother, she had left me 

said she wanted me no more, 

When she came back again 

they all said, "She's a w***e!" 

~·•*•·~ 

I did not know what it meant 

'cause I loved her pretty ways, 

When she came to get me 

I was joyful in my naive days. 

~·•*•·~ 

Then, she left me once more 

this time was with a friend, 

Who had with me her way … 

they took me off in the end. 

~·•*•·~ 

To live with Uncle Charlie 

and his wife, Aunt Mae, 

They would beat me anytime 

I got in their busy way. 

~·•*•·~ 

Then, came Uncle Button 

and loud Aunt Lola, too, 

He beat me with a strop 

she'd hit me with her shoe. 

~·•*•·~ 

Uncle Raymond did not beat me 

he locked me in the shed, 

Aunt Ruth would take her broom 

and strike me on the head. 

~·•*•·~ 

But it was Grandpa Smith 

that I remember best, 

He burnt my back one day 

for being such a pest. 

~·•*•·~ 

But, I loved them all 

as best I ever could, 

Gave them hugs and kisses 

and tried to be so good. 

~·•*•·~ 

Ya know? I never truly did 

figure out just what I did, 

To make them all so want 

to get rid of “that darn kid”. 

~·•*•·~ 

'Cause all I really did was 

try to hold-on tight and say, 

"I'll be a good boy, please 

if you don't send me away!" 

~·•*•·~ 

But, they never seemed to listen 

they said the money it was tight, 

Then, they yelled real loud at me 

left me alone most every night. 

~·•*•·~ 

When they went out to dance 

to laugh and sing and drink, 

They locked me in the closet 

next to their bathroom sink. 

~·•*•·~ 

It was in the darkness there 

I learned all my best dreams, 

Twas in this tiny room 

I planned the loveliest schemes. 

~·•*•·~ 

It was my only world 

where I felt quite purely me, 

I could go just anywhere 

I ever wanted to be free. 

~·•*•·~ 

Then, the spark within me 

began to brightly glow, 

Alas, I stand before you now 

the man..the poet you've all 

~·•*•·~ 

˜'~·• Come to know •·~'˜ 

|

Smiles ’n hugs! 

|

˜'~·•*•·~'˜

Richard W. Jenkins

©1986

RUNNER-UP WINNER

"Something Personal"

Writing Contest

Author's Note

Constructive critique is always welcome. : )

Reviews

[Cherrie Palmer]

Children need so very little to be happy. A safe place to rest their head, alittle understanding and love. Broken selfish people only know how to destroy.
Your poem is filled with heart break, but might let someone else know they are not the only one.

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Cherrie Dear 🍎

How sweet of you to patiently endure through the plethora of lines and verses in this mammoth piece of autobiographical spiel.
Depending on the child, of course, I completely agree you; especially, in my own incidence … but, I've seen children so spoiled and privileged that there's no pleasing them.

Thank you, Beautiful, for sharing your always deeply understanding heart and soul!
Warmest hugs! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Lisasview]

Hi Richard,
Wow, one really gets to know more and more about you through you poems...
I just love that you are so open with your thoughts.
And, share with us what is in your heart.
Hugs, Lisa

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Lisa Dear 🌿

For reading this rather lengthy piece, and for loving anything about it.
Because of its deeply personal theme, I've thought of removing it, but someone will come along, like you have, making me feel good, and realize how important it is to share and get such memories off one's chest.

Bless you your kind heart, Lisa! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Lisasview]

I feel honoured to read your work dear Richard and to have your guidance through the world (that I knew nothing of) of poetry.
Thank you,
L

[Richard🖌]

You, Lisa, with your dedication and laudable work ethic, make working with you a true pleasure.

[Lisasview]

Thank you..

[prema]

I felt gloomy while reading but oñly till the last lines .For making the most beautiful ornament the gold has to be treated in the fire. You are so great as a poet

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Dear Prema 🌸

Your lovely words of true understanding and wisdom gratify a bard's hopes of writing for at least one reader who gleams his message in such a way she is inspired to praise him for his poetry.

You are truly a golden ornament … warmest, most grateful hugs to you! ⁓ Richard🖌

[prema]

Welcome sir

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Richard... I was very fortunate to have a Father who never Beat me; however, he was a Religious Fanatic and I knew it was Wrong. Consequently, I have my own Religion (believing in the Holy Spirit... knowing that every Baby born... is born with a Spirit. So we all have Sprits that mingle with each other. I can see the Spirit of each Poet and thereby I find Peace with few exceptions. You have had a very Difficult Life, but have Conquered and Won your Place in the Sun. tenderly, Pat

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Lovely Pat 🌷

Such a wondrously positive outlook you always have that gifts this rugged old mug a bright smile to see your name 'neath my poems.
My heart smiles, too, knowing you went through life with loving parents no wonder your spirit sings such beautiful songs!

Happiness 'n bright love to thee! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Oh I’m so sorry that you went through all that
You are better than them that professed to look after you
So sad for millions of kids around the world suffering in the same or worse dire situations
Thanks for sharing this
I love the pic is that you ? So cute
Thanks Richard for the deep share
I liked it even though the poem was sad in parts
Life is cruel but you have found the beauty

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Julie 🐝

How delightful of you to come along with me on this rather longwinded tale of my childhood journey.
True, it was not all fun and games, but as you say, so many had/have it far worse; plus, I didn't turn out too bad from it all, did I? : )
The cute picture is not me, Julie, but it reflects the playful nature and kind of kid I was.
Yes, M'Lady, there is far too much beauty in the world for one to be a whiner over their own teaching trials and tribulations.

Thank you, Sweetness … hugs! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

You are welcome 🙏

[William Michael Reeves]

I was all settled into a nostalgic bit of verse about playing as a lad, when you suddenly revealed the darker reality behind the carefree facade. The change in emotion makes it so powerful! And you capture the everyday violence that was part of discipline in a different age. Hard to imagine adults getting away with that today, not that it doesn't happen. Excellent poem with such a painful surprise!

It's interesting how different our two poems are, yet have some similarities as well. I imagine there have been contests where poets all write for the same title. If not, there should be.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Bill, ever-so gratefully,

For taking on this "bring your lunch" length autobiographical poem with "almost" the same title as your rather extended biographical Terza Rima; it's difficult to share such a impacting portion of one's life in a single poetic breath.
Odd, when compared to today's philosophy of child rearing, so many turned out so well from the olden days' methods.

Thank you for sharing this one with me, for your praise, and the poem contest idea … you should followup on it! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'Once When I Was Just a Lad'
Richard,
The photograph heading your above piece is so great! lets focus on that. It is the center of this poem. I also see this was part of a contest which won runner up. congratulations. Well How can I walk into this. It was interesting how the poem began with happiness. Again there is a thread through this writing which shows the desire to be free. Young people are innocent and that you were not intrinsically damaged but found your way through is really inspiring. I know that these things do leave a mark on the soul. If you know much about me I could say in this life that keeping centered and trying to help others do the same is a challenge. Such is life and I am glad to be alive. The people mentioned take on their own reality in this story too. I loved this poem wrapped in a story of overcoming. Thanks Richard for bringing us there.
blessings to you in this beautiful Spring.
Kathy

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Kathy, so very-very dearly,

You reading this piece means so much to me in ways my simple words cannot suffice, except to say it's wonderful knowing we connect so deeply through your gently comforting compassion and understanding.

Yes, Kathy, I think I know you very well, indeed … you're a very beautiful and special individual, with a truly golden heart and very wise soul.

I've always been thrilled we met upon these pages.
Thank you alway, Dear Kathy ⁓ Richard🖌

[Kathy Van Kurin]

Richard,
Hope you are doing well and finding good, inspiration and just satisfaction in life. Life can be hard but I see you as someone who is a blessing.
So blessings dear friend,
Kathy

[Richard🖌]

S-i-g-h-h-h*

[GreenShoes]

Richard, I'm crying, and so sad to hear all this! My gosh! I don't even know what to say. I saw that picture up there of that very cute, smiling, happy boy, and did not expect what followed. I'm so sorry for what you've gone through. *hugs*

[Richard🖌]

Karen,
I think your tears of compassion and empathy say it all, about your heart and soul being so deeply tender and filled with genuine feeling.
It's no wonder your more emotional poems are so very alive, so able to reach in and touch the core.

Much the same as You, M'Dear, the beautiful lady you are inside and out, all life has put me through is that which makes me the man I am, but your sentiments tell me you understand and that I am not alone after all … thank you ever-so warmly and thankfully for letting me know, Karen … hugs! ⁓ Richard : )

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Poetry is a dagger. The poem helps the writer handle his heart, while, at the same time, the words are a blade cutting to the core. It's a slice of soul that pierces, the words seeping into veins that quicken with pulses of empathy, compassion, and sorrow.

Poetry is also a gift, a blessing bestowed to let the loneliest soul that he is not alone. Someone, somewhere will read these words, having suffered much the same. His heart will swell and eyes overflow, knowing he is not alone.

My heart feels heavy. While I am a survivor as well, I would rather bear the burden of suffering alone, wishing that no one else should ever have known such heartache.

Thank you for sharing the sweetness of your soul that rose above the ashes.

Love,

Linda Marie

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Dear Linda Marie,
I knew if there were anyone who would relate to and understand the heart of this piece, and the reasons behind why it was written and shared, it would be You.
My compassion and empathy for your own plight tugs the same on my heart, and I, too, grasp your need of solitude, tho it is this sharing that bonds us, keeping us from ever being alone again, as we once were in our naive, helpless days, and in our times of need.
To taste the flavor of your own soul's ascended glow, is sweetness humbly and gratefully felt.

I thank you for your tender, caring words shared … your love is graciously, fully reciprocated, Linda Marie! ⁓ Richard

[Susan 🦋]

I've read this so many times...it hurts me to my core. I just don't even know what to say.

[Richard🖌]

Susan,
I think you've said between the lines far more than words ever could … thank you so much! ⁓ Richard