Words from teachers, coaches, pastors, parents, they have so much power and influence -- more than I think they realize when spoken. They shape us in so many ways. I still remember the words of a mentor who said he was "always right". Not only have I learned to avoid people like that ever since, but it's also made me conscious of my own pride and arrogance -- and determination to never be like that.
Thanks for sharing this, Micah. Yeah so much power in the words we use, especially with formative kids. We’re always learning, both what we’re drawn to and what we know we’ll need to avoid to stay safe and thrive
Completely. As a parent, this is both a weight and a privilege to carry. I hope to get it right with them and remain hopeful even when I mess up (because we all mess up).
Thank goodness for choir and theater! What a refuge and tribe for me during the wobbly and wonky high school years. I can only imagine the cuts made by coaches to boys. The one remark from my homeroom teacher, who was also my Spanish teacher that stung, and was humiliating, is seared into my memory. The kids were talking about a tv show that ran the night before about the Holocaust. I think it was opposite a James Bond movie, and some other popular show. We had 3 television channels, as this was the 1970s in America. The teacher said, “if Hitler had done what he tried to do then, we wouldn’t have all the problems we have now.” I was stunned. I looked around the room, noticed I was the only Jewish person there, collected my books, and walked straight to the headmaster’s office to report that bastard.
Oh my God, Julie! I am so sorry, I can definitely imagine what an impact that would have had on you as a young student. I am so sorry that happened to you and sorry that the same kind of antisemitism continues to be so commonplace
Excellent. Great question you ask at the end. My housemaster once asked me why I was not more like my athletic brother. Seering words still felt today. The guy was a jerk of course but at 16 it hurt like hell. Thanks for this.
I’m glad this connected for you. Yes, it is sobering to recognize just how deep the wounds can be that are created through the violence of careless words.
Narrative poems like this are wonderful because they're punchy, short, and filled with so much emotion and reflection all rolled up into itself loved every part of it!
I was in a choir here in the village actually for about a year, and it was nice but a little too chaotic for me (changing out songs last minute before performances and having to arrange to get to small local places for shows and I don’t drive, etc.) How about you?
Words from teachers, coaches, pastors, parents, they have so much power and influence -- more than I think they realize when spoken. They shape us in so many ways. I still remember the words of a mentor who said he was "always right". Not only have I learned to avoid people like that ever since, but it's also made me conscious of my own pride and arrogance -- and determination to never be like that.
Thanks for sharing this, Micah. Yeah so much power in the words we use, especially with formative kids. We’re always learning, both what we’re drawn to and what we know we’ll need to avoid to stay safe and thrive
Completely. As a parent, this is both a weight and a privilege to carry. I hope to get it right with them and remain hopeful even when I mess up (because we all mess up).
Thank goodness for choir and theater! What a refuge and tribe for me during the wobbly and wonky high school years. I can only imagine the cuts made by coaches to boys. The one remark from my homeroom teacher, who was also my Spanish teacher that stung, and was humiliating, is seared into my memory. The kids were talking about a tv show that ran the night before about the Holocaust. I think it was opposite a James Bond movie, and some other popular show. We had 3 television channels, as this was the 1970s in America. The teacher said, “if Hitler had done what he tried to do then, we wouldn’t have all the problems we have now.” I was stunned. I looked around the room, noticed I was the only Jewish person there, collected my books, and walked straight to the headmaster’s office to report that bastard.
Oh my God, Julie! I am so sorry, I can definitely imagine what an impact that would have had on you as a young student. I am so sorry that happened to you and sorry that the same kind of antisemitism continues to be so commonplace
Thanks Andy!
I remember that student :)…. And the creative, brilliant writer/actor he was (still is!)
Aw thanks, Ms Supplee. Thank God I made it out of football in high school and got pushed in more compelling directions.
Excellent. Great question you ask at the end. My housemaster once asked me why I was not more like my athletic brother. Seering words still felt today. The guy was a jerk of course but at 16 it hurt like hell. Thanks for this.
I’m glad this connected for you. Yes, it is sobering to recognize just how deep the wounds can be that are created through the violence of careless words.
Narrative poems like this are wonderful because they're punchy, short, and filled with so much emotion and reflection all rolled up into itself loved every part of it!
Thanks for reading, Noah! Yeah it’s a fun form to work with for sure!
So powerful Andy!! I’m so glad you wrote and shared this. I was also a theatre kid, such a friendlier space with the sensitive art types 😂
Thanks, Alex! You didn’t have to tell me that you were a theatre kid. 😂 we could have had fun in high school improv together for sure!
Haha yeah it’s pretty obvious isn’t it? 😂
I’m sorry you had that experience, Andy, but glad you found your home. Also an ex theatre kid and choir member. 👋
Thanks, Sarah! Yes, theatre and choir are wonderful aren’t they? Have you been involved in anything like that as an adult?
I was in a choir here in the village actually for about a year, and it was nice but a little too chaotic for me (changing out songs last minute before performances and having to arrange to get to small local places for shows and I don’t drive, etc.) How about you?