The girl on the bench

By Stephanie Sideways

Did you spot the girl
Who sat all alone,
On a bench in a playground
Outcast and unknown? ......

The mates meet up early
To recall and recite
From the programmes they watched
On the previous night

The girl on the bench
Her eyes dart pensively
She doesn't join in
As she has no tv

The mates meet for break
Strong opinions they share
On what clothes they like
Trends in labels to wear

The girl on the bench
Turns away in her shame
She doesn't join in
Shabby clothes on her frame

The mates meet for lunch
Playground rings with loud prattle
Some alpha females
Choose a cage they can rattle

The girl on the bench
muted through her own choice
She doesn't join in
scared of her own small voice

The mates have a moan
At their parents restrictions
Loving guardian's angst
They interpret as friction.

The girl on the bench
Views the cards she's been dealt
She doesn't join in
Little love has she felt

The mates gather up
Final bell has been rung
The school empties out
All except one...........

The girl on the bench
Sadly stands and walks home
How she longs to fit in
And not feel so alone .

Unauthorized Copying Is Prohibited. Ask the author first.

Published on Tuesday, January 1, 2013. Filed under: "Poetry"

Author's Note:

I work in a school, and see people like this. It's sad !

Awards

September 15th, 2017

Comments on "The girl on the bench"

On Wednesday, January 2, 2013, haunted (837) wrote:

awe this is a sad poem, poor little girl. this could have a huge impact on growing up. and thats why its sad. all it takes is just one person to say hello or give a compliment. i hate bullies and i dont like being lonely. i would be her best friend. thanks for sharing. awesome!
On Wednesday, January 2, 2013, Stephanie Sideways (276) wrote:

I shall fadedblue and thanks for the poet trail, I love it when people send me in the direction of poems, it gives me somewhere to start. X thanks all for your kind words!
On Tuesday, January 1, 2013, FadedBlues (2096) wrote:

...nice poem. in 'Autobiographia Literaria', Frank O'Hara wrote that as a kid, he hid behind a tree in the playground due to shyness. it's a short poem, well worth reading...
On Tuesday, January 1, 2013, dwells (4177) wrote:

Take the ritalin away and let them be hyperactive kids again maybe? We create a generation of psychotropic zombies. Cheers and happy new years Stephy! Time to cut the grass now (ugh).
On Tuesday, January 1, 2013, FearlessDragon (137) wrote:

This reminds me of so many kids I knew growing up. Very moving, it makes you want to go back in time and befriend the "outcasts".
On Tuesday, January 1, 2013, PoetessDarkly (693) wrote:

so melancholy and so lovely.
A former member wrote: I dont know if this is a work that comes from the heart or one that comes from the experience of being "that one kid". To be honest i am deeply moved by this poem mate. Keep the good stuff rollin.