You see the whole world from the backseat
Don’t draw attention or make a sound
If you behave they give you a treat
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Keep your clothes clean and neat
(Don’t make me turn this car around)
You see the whole world from the backseat
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Good girls are polite, stay calm and sweet
Rehearse I Spy, pantomime Lost & Found
If you behave they give you a treat
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You just couldn’t do it; again you’ll be beat
Curl up small, little snivel-sobbing mound
You see the whole world from the backseat
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Make a wish, closed eyes! Don’t cheat!
Someday. No rules. You no longer bound
You see the whole world from the backseat
If you behave they give you a treat
About the Creator
Judey Kalchik
It's my time to find and use my voice.
Poetry, short stories, memories, and a lot of things I think and wish I'd known a long time ago.
You can also find me on Medium
And please follow me on Threads, too!


Comments (10)
I recall those days vividly, Judey. Congratulations on your villanelle win❣
Congratulations!🥳 This is heartbreakingly emotive.
Wooohooooo congratulations on your win! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
This is beautifully vivid and sad but so deserving of your win. Congratulations on placing, Judey
The imagery of childhood fear and silence is heartbreaking. You capture it with such precision and empathy.
What a true poem of childhood no matter male or female, but really at any age.
Oh my heart! You made me feel so much with this poem. I can imagine this sweet little girl trying so hard to be what she's told she must be. I just want to hold her and make it better, take her out for ice cream and listen to her tell me stories for hours, and then let her run around the park until she is so exhausted she falls asleep in the backseat on the way home with a smile on her face and ice cream and grass stains on her clothes. I hope when she finally grew up, she broke free of the silent prison and found her beautiful voice. Wonderful entry Judey! Good luck.
Judey, this one is visceral. Sad that this was so common when we were kids, but it still happens today. Great poem
This was so sad and it hit me so hard. Loved your poem!
Naice