We Were Latchkey Kids
I can not remove those impressions made,
In my youth.
Nor can I replace misconceptions done,
Of how my growing up in the projects...
Was not for my sister and I lives filled with fun.
I for one had little if none.
We were latchkey kids!
Chores and responsibility came early for me.
And I made sure my sister Mim,
Didn't think what I did...
Was going to make her life a breeze.
If I had to wash dishes and sweep...
She was not going outside to play,
A game of hide and seek.
I was young and disciplined.
And she, at times, grew to despise me.
But we...
Were latchkey kids.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Why I Could Care Less' by Lawrence S. Pertillar
I grew up in the projects,
My sister and I.
I was the older...
And expected to be the protector,
Without excuses or alibis.
I had no one older to express my frustrations.
My mother was both my mom and dad then.
And my sister and I were latchkey children!
I grew up with an edge.
A bit of a chip on my shoulder!
I really didn't have a childhood...
I always felt quite older.
And throughout my life...
Witnessing those who whine about petty stuff.
I look back upon my life thanking God,
How I grew up.
I thank God for my parents...
And their struggles to maintain.
My sister Andrea who helped me remain sane!
The Women's League Day Care Center...
With their counselors who guided me on my way.
The residents of Bellevue Square...
To this day I may see a few from those 'golden days'.
And to those who take others for granted.
With demands their selfish whims be met...
If it had not been for them,
And their pointless greed and attitudes...
I probably would not express,
Why I could care less...
About them now being in distress and duress.
My mama taught me a few things about survival...
'What goes up comes down!
Folks who grin and smile...
Will someday show frowns.
Now go outside and try to be a child,
Like the other kids! '
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Baby Sister.
I have heard people grumble
'I wish I had a sister so humble'
with whom I can share everything
My shoes, my clothes and my earing
A sister who helped me during my projects
A sister whom I always needed for consent
A sister fights with me endlessly
Yet who helps me selflessly
A sister with whom I share all my thoughts
without thinking I should tell her or not
A sister who helps sharing my chores
A sister who sometimes acts too stubborn
A sister whom I boss over
A sister who understands my every fear
A sister who wants me to shop
And when I tease her she begins to hop
Love you dear sister for always being there
I promise for you I'll always be there :)
poem by Henal Jasani
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No shoes (for Karen)
I saw two kids sat on the curb
and it made me think of you and I
and it made me think of times gone by
and somehow it made me want to cry.
I saw two kids with knees all scraped
and it made me think of sticking plasters
and how we'd fast become ‘blood brothers'
and how we'd sworn to love each other.
I saw two kids that had no shoes
and it made me think of winter blues
and how your feet had been so sore
and it made miss you more and more.
I saw two kids sat on the curb
and it made me think of good ol' days
when troubles were all far away
and I forgot myself that day.
And I sat upon the curb again
and recalled when we were best of friends
Those days of youth so blithe and free
when I was six and you were three.
poem by Ruth Walters
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Little Sisters
get off the bus
everything is a must
take a nap
wake up to getting slapped(jordan abusive lol)
do the dishes make some wishes
pray to nothing
make life a loving
caLL my boyfriend
tell him i love him
hang up the phone and start running into things
yell at my sister
i sure wouldnt miss her
get kicked in the leg
no need for a beg
hide my face cause shes a disgrace
gotta hide that trace
not gna get replaced
time for dinner get a splinter
made my day at being a winner
smile as if everythings ok
school really made my day, too bad its almost over,
i was free of that little sister
poem by Kim Childress
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Thankful For A Fixed Income I Magically Manage
I did not grow up picking Lillies from the field.
I was a latchkey child with chores and responsibilities.
That's the way my mother raised my sister Mimmie and me.
To be independent and aware at a very early age.
I can sometimes be difficult, direct and demanding.
Traits others discover within minutes in my presence.
However...
When I give of myself and time,
That is done without question.
I am one of those Give-Back-To-The Community kind.
And I've learned after many years of doing it...
Not too many in the community appreciate the sacrifice.
Since I am limited with 'bling' to impress!
I've been told many times,
'Why are you here wasting your life?
You can go somewhere else with the skills you have.
And make lots of money! '
It sickens me to hear this,
From those who assess others...
By what they 'visual' possess.
They same folks that express 'unity'.
Based on conditions met!
But...
My mother didn't raise me like that!
She taught 'me' to make contributions.
Delivering to others my best.
Needless to say we had many arguments about this.
Guess who won?
The only regret I have?
Not too many were present to digest her message.
Although I am grateful and blessed,
To have listened.
And thankful for a fixed income I magically manage.
And a can opener I use without protest.
Yes...
I am skilled.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Not In The Next Few Chapters
I remember how 'old' people seemed,
When they were in their twenties.
And I was then a child...
With a wish to be a teenager.
And I remember walking on my toes,
Wanting to be taller than I was.
Or at least keep up with my father,
Whenever he walked to the neighborhood store.
And I'd walk behind him,
Thinking he was a giant.
And when I then became thirteen,
And my sister Mimmie was still eleven...
I got very bossy.
We were both 'latchkey' kids and...
Well,
I was grown...
I thought.
And I made sure she did things around our apartment,
I just was too 'grown' to do.
Like sweep the floors while I looked at TV.
She hated me.
I didn't care.
I remember being eighteen and being called a 'rainbow',
As the rest of the enlisted boy/men stood at attention...
After arriving at Lackland Air Force Base,
In San Antonio, Texas.
We were called 'rainbow'
Because we were still in our 'civilian' clothes...
And instantly demeaned.
That was their way of making sure we understood,
We were in the military and mom and daddy weren't around.
We were guaranteed to be made full fledged men.
Thirty came in a hurry.
And I had already been divorced and remarried.
And that was in 1977.
I don't know 'why' I didn't like my 40's!
Maybe because they came and went too quickly.
And I was 'still' passing for the age of twenty-five.
That didn't last too long.
In 1987 I got a phone call from my mother,
Telling me my dad was ill and she was concerned.
So as the eldest and only son,
I thought I would leave San Antonio, Texas...
Where I made my home then,
And make a quick weekend trip back to Hartford, Connecticut.
Well...
One very long weekend later,
It is now close to 2011.
My 40's and 50's were a blur.
And today at 63...
With both my parents deceased,
I am just NOW able to say,
I can enjoy every moment of my life consciously.
And feeling a whole lot younger than I look.
I know this may sound crazy, but...
I've got to relive something that I've missed,
Between my 40's and 50's I can remember...
Other than my parents passing away,
And my getting a divorce.
That was number two.
And...
With God's blessing,
I 'hope' not to do a number three.
Not in the next 'few' chapters I hope to write!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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If we keep on ignoring and leaving children to their own devices at home, they become latchkey kids, and trust me, the consequences of that are not good.
quote by Eric Braeden
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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My sister dont
My sister please dont cry
My sister dry your eyes
My sister don't end your life
My sister your not his wife
My sister he's cold as a snake
My sister he's just a fake
My sister everything will be better when you wake
My sister Ive seen the pills you take
My sister he's full of lies
My sister don't even try
My sister your the one everyone likes
My sister don't start a fight
My sister it ends tonight
My sister I need you, don't end your life
poem by Jackrabbit Krjs
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Heffa
'Don't let me chase you...
Heffa! '
My mother would say this,
Before she did my sister's hair.
And I would sit in a chair...
To watch my sister.
And she would cry and I would stare.
'What you looking at? '
My sister Mimmie would say!
I'm looking at you!
What you gonna do?
'You kids better not start nothing with me.
Hold your head still, girl!
And don't you say another word, Larry! '
I would think to myself...
'Is Mimmie a 'heffa' when she gets her hair done?
Why when I called her that...
She would chase me,
And I would run?
Then my mother would say,
'Would you kids stop that!
Both of you get on my last nerve.
Stop that fighting crap.'
Ma, what is a 'heffa'?
And why is Mimmie one?
Is it the way she looks...
When her hair is undone?
If I called her that,
She wants to fight with me.
Daddy don't call her a heffa.
Why do you...
Exclusively?
My mother would look at me,
As if I was crazed.
I could tell in her eyes,
She was trying for 'something' to say!
I never heard my mother curse.
She didn't have to back then.
But I grew to understand...
'Heffa' was a word,
Black women shared between them!
And my sister Mimmie...
Thought she needed to keep me in 'check'!
And 'if' I didn't leave her alone...
A grown man I would never become or get!
I grew up in a family of very strong willed 'heffuhs'!
Dedicated to:
Those women in my family whom I love dearly.
And I have learned what they say to each other,
And amongst themselves...
Is between them as women!
And they have provided me with 'much' wisdom!
I know now...
What is said 'endearingly' between them,
Is not for a man to repeat!
Even though they can say what they wish,
About us!
'Right, fellas'?
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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For Sharon (my little sister and second mother)
You were always my little sister, whether you knew it or not,
Even though you thought differently, when you were just a tot-
Even way back then, you wanted to take care of me,
You put on the Big Sister act, it didn't bother me, you see-
But when I reflect on those early times, I find I am mistaken-
For those years you stood by me, for granted you were taken.
You married young in life, your roads were rough, like mine-
But now your days are treasured, like aged and ripe old wine.
You've found the one that loves you, that one with the special glow-
That very special mate...hold him tight and don't let go!
And here I'm writing verse to you, to give you thanks and blessing-
For the times that you took care of me, for the grooming and the dressing!
Thanks for the times you freely gave, thanks for all of the care-
That was sisterly love, that only a sister could share!
You were my little sister- I was the other brother -
And now, the secret's out - You were my second mother!
poem by David Lessard
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My Sister my sister
My sister holds me tight
My sister kisses me goodnight
My sister knows when I’m mad
My sister helps me when I’m sad
My sister is so smart
My sister has my heart
My sister loves me lots
My sister ties the knots
My sister is here to stay
My sister I have until this very day
My sister I wish you well
My sister yes I can tell
My sister asked if I lied
My sister knows if I’ve cried
My sister has moved away
My sister is in my heart to and will always stay
poem by Emilie Jackson
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Growing Up
I didn't know why I was really born
I had a sad childhood and was always torn
Didn't know my daddy, didn't really know my mother
It was just us three, with my sister and my brother
We stuck together and formed a bond
We were all we had and were very fond
We would defend each other all our life
There was pain and fear and plenty of strife
We were abused and neglected most of the time
Then, you could starve and beat your kids, not a crime
We were passed around to home after home
We never had much to call our own
We had a different daddy once a week
They made us full of fear and awful meek
Some were very nice and some were very mean
Some would beat us constantly, and some would only scream
We all grew up rough and we all knew it
And if they knew about this poem, they would have a fit
Mother couldn't help it, her mind was very weak
All her life she suffered, her life was so bleak
But we survived it all and grew up too
And mother she forgot, and didn't have a clue
I loved her so much, through thick and thin
The angels came and got her, that's why I can pen!
poem by Donna Nimmo
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The 'Weird' Child
I was the 'weird' child.
You know...
The odd one out!
The one with chores and responsibilities.
The one all the kids would laughed at,
When I had to stay home...
Sometimes with my sister and I alone.
And told not to answer the door or telephone.
And if we did...
'You'll be sorry for that,
When I get back.'
My mother would say.
In a way that was understood.
And when my mother and father would return...
No excuses were made,
Or jokes told.
If the floor wasn't swept...
A frown I would get from mom.
If I forgot to line the garbage can with newspaper.
I was told to empty it.
Wash it quick...
And do it without a sound.
And I was grounded,
If I looked as if I wanted to say something about it.
My father 'tried' to be strict.
But my mother handled the 'raising' business.
My mama had us go get a 'switch'.
From a bush.
Strip it.
And whipped us with it.
If we did not do what mama said!
I was the 'weird' child.
Made to feel different then by my peers.
And today I see many of them,
That bring me to tears.
They don't know how to do anything...
But complain!
And when mama would lift up that switch,
Prepared to swing it...
I gritted my teeth.
And I closed my eyes.
But she was the one that ended up crying.
My sister and I would look at each other...
As if to wonder why.
~She whipped us...
And she's crying? ~
'Sssshhh. Shut up! '
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Edna Frau
to cross the ocean and to look down
this pipe (?) love is rushing to a city(?) bed
then wires (?) stream into an open (....)
take hold of Jude, she's coming down
i made like i didn't tell you
don't tell it
when will you wash the bodies
two seven numbers (?) with the happy (....)
take a leave and join me on the water's (?) edge
i let you (......) i could assist your death
i made like i didn't tell you
when they call me
i made like i didn't tell you
when they call me
but cry, oh, your life
don't go blind (?)
cry... go blind (?)
to get out
now my sister, you didn't know how
everyone needs (..............)
all my children are acting out
crawling to bed with Edna Frau
song performed by by Jeff Buckley
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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My Sister
Hey girl, it's me
I just called to tell you hi
Call me when you get this
Haven't talked lately
So hard to find the time
Give the boys a big kiss
Tell them that I miss them
By the way I miss you too
I was thinkin' just today
About how we used to play
Barbie Dolls and make up
Tea parties, dress up
I remember how we'd fight
Then make up and laugh all night
Wish we were kids again
My sister, my friend
Oh yeah, before I go
I met someone
I think I really like him
I was just wonderin' if I'm jumpin' the gun
By goin' out on a limb
And invite him home for Christmas
To meet the family
Seems just like yesterday
You brought home ol' whats his name
He had been drinkin'
What were you thinkin'
After dinner he passed out
We can laugh about it now
We've learned a lot since then
My sister, my friend
Do you think you could come and see me sometime soon
We could just hang out like we used to
It's late and I should go
But I can't hang up the phone
Until I tell you what I don't tell you enough
Even though at times it seemed
We were more like enemies
I'd do it all again
My sister, my friend
Oh, my sister, my friend
song performed by by Reba Mcentire
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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What Cedric Said About His Sister.
Cedric followed you
around the playground
at high school
it seemed he wanted
to say something to you
but instead he just followed
you around until
as you stood looking over
at the playing field
where kids were gathering
in their break period
he said
my sister likes you
how do you know?
you asked
because she told me
he replied blushing
looking over at the playing field
isn't she your twin?
Yes
he said
going red
gazing at his sister
standing with a group
of friends on the field
you looked over at the girls
at Cedric's sister waving a hand
so that's Christina
yes
he muttered
the one with the dark hair
and waving a hand
then he went silent
and looked at you
Mother said she's too young for boyfriends
he said after a few moments
but she doesn't listen
she does what she wants
so she told me to tell you
she likes you
and so you nodded
and waved your hand
back at the girls
and there was an explosion
of giggling and laughter
and waving of hands
and then they ran off
onto the field
and as they ran off
you noticed Cedric's sister
had a cute butt
but you didn't tell him that
you just turned and said
fancy a game of ball?
and he just nodded
and said nothing more
about his sister at all.
poem by Terry Collett
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Daddy's Moonshine Still
Folks say my daddy wasn't much of a man
For disobeying the laws of the land
Folks say that my daddy wasn't fit to kill
Oh and I know it was true what the people said
Cause we'd all've been better of dead
Than to live a life of shame and strife
Cause of daddy's moonshine still
My mama was always sweet and kind
But she grew old before her time
Worryin' about the way we had to live
Yeah my daddy put the wrinkles in my mama's face
He drunk his share of all he made
And just one more reason I grew to hate
My daddy's moonshine still
Chorus:
Daddy's moonshine still was good for nothin'
But to break mama's heart
And to tear our home apart
Make our lives a livin' hell
Them old mason jars that daddy made us wash
And set them out to sun on our back porch
'Til he got ready to take 'em up on the hill
And when daddy got word of the revenue
He made us kids help hide his brew
Made us swear that we never knew
About daddy's moonshine still
Yeah and two of my brothers drove across the state line
Once a week with a load of moonshine
And the wounds that came from that won't ever heal
Cause on a moonshine run one rainy night
My two brothers lost their lives
And oh my god how I despise
My daddy's moonshine still
Repeat Chorus
Well it broke mama's heart but she understood
The day that I left home for good
But I had to find me another way to live
Well I sent mama money nearly every day
And how I made it, well I'd rather not say
But at least it took me far away
From daddy's moonshine still
My bootlegging daddy was known quite well
And he made our home a livin' hell
And I ain't forgot it and I know that I never will
My mama finally died she just gave up
And daddy finally died from drinkin' that stuff
And bad memories haunt the rest of us
From daddy's moonshine still
Repeat Chorus
song performed by by Dolly Parton
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Without A Drumroll Or A Cheering Audience
I was still in my early twenties,
When I felt I had earned my doctorate's degree.
After I had graduated from elementary school,
I had already received my 'bachelor's'.
I was taught to be accountable,
For every responsible action I made.
I did not have a childhood.
I had chores and responsibilities.
And had been a latchkey child by the age of 5.
That was before the innocence of children,
Were identified to be protected and realized.
I was taught to value independence....first!
I was still in my early twenties,
When I felt I had earned my doctorate's degree.
Married, divorced and a military veteran...
I knew my life had excelled through a course,
To experience early such maturity.
And that wasn't a choice!
But more like a marriage of enforcement.
And my tolerance for those who are ignorant is low.
Extremely!
Especially when I've seen people pull themselves up,
Out of places few would dare to go.
Without a drumroll or a cheering audience to encourage.
With so many today wasting their minds and time,
Debating their entitlements while sitting on wide behinds...
Expecting a delivery of some kind they did not earn.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Ayesha
Thank you, sister,
for being there
And letting me know
you will always care.
Thank you, sister
for loving me so
you helped me find
where I wanted to go.
Thank you, sister
when times got bad
you stood by me
as no one had.
Thank you, sister
for being my friend
I will love you until
the very end.
And I thank you, sister
like I have before.
But this time, sister
it means so much more.
poem by Mahfooz Ali
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Hide & Seek
When Im looking here and there,
And Im searchin everywhere to find your love
But you play so hard to get
And I havent found out yet where you are.
Youll never find
Just what you got.
Here I come.
Ready or not.
Hide and seek.
Its just a game we play.
Hide and seek.
Swear I gotta find you.
Sneakin up behind you.
Hide and seek.
When I tried so hard to see
How you keep this mystery around our love
Every simple breath you take
Always makes the love we make seem so new
Youre up to your
Old tricks again.
I close my eyes
And count to ten.
Hide and seek.
Its just a game we play.
Hide and seek.
Swear I gotta find you.
Sneakin up behind you.
Hide and seek.
Hi hi hi hide.
Youll never find just what you got.
Here I come.
Ready or not.
Hide and seek.
Its just a game we play.
Hide and seek.
Swear I gotta find you.
Sneakin up behind you.
Hide and seek.
Hide and seek.
Its just a game we play.
Hide and seek.
Swear I gotta find you.
Sneakin up behind you.
Hide and seek.
Hide and seek.
Hide and seek.
Hide and seek.
Hide and seek.
Hide and seek.
Swear I gotta find you.
Hide and seek.
Hide and seek.
Hide and seek.
Sneakin up behind you.
song performed by by New Edition
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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