Parent Tapes- A List Poem Idea

Parent Tape Poem

I find myself returning to a list poem. When writing this poem I recall asking student writers about some of the recurring messages they received from adults. Their feedback helped me develop, 'Parent Tapes.' Most of us can instantly recall those messages that were on high rotation in our heads. In my case, some of them remain...

'Put things back where you found them.'

Parent Tapes

I can hear them everywhere I go

In my head

Lying in bed

At the park

At night, in the dark

Visiting friends

Making amends…

Parent tapes

Looping around in my brain

On high rotation

Loud and clear

Clear and loud

Messages from Mum

Ditties from Dad

I hear them

Over and over

Stand up straight

Don’t be late

Wait your turn

Don’t speak with your mouth full

Be kind to animals

Show respect

Finish what you start

Don’t take naps on the road

Speak when spoken to

Say yes please and no thank you

Don’t scratch your bottom

Don’t forget to kiss Auntie Bertha

Never throw bricks straight up

Keep your fingers out of your nose

And remember who you are

Over and over again

I hear them

Parent tapes

Everywhere I go

Alan j Wright

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