I can honestly say I'm only aware of having been part of a "clique" once in my life. In 7th and 8th grades, we were a small, high-spirited creative bunch. We weren't exactly exclusive. People just didn't know how to take us!

Rebecca

I DON'T BELONG TO A CLIQUE. RAISED THAT WAY...! AND TODAY, I AM QUITE GRATEFUL FOR IT. NOTE THAT I SAID 'TODAY'. YESTERDAY WAS A DIFFERENT STORY ENTIRELY. I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY MOMMA DIDN'T WANT ME BECOMING TOO FAMILIAR WITH ANYONE, AND THAT OLD CLICHE OF HERS(FAMILIARITY, BREEDS CONTEMPT)IRKED ME TO NO END. AND THEN THERE WAS THE OTHER ONE(STAY OUT OF PEOPLES FACES AND HOUSES, 'CUS THEY DON'T LIKE YOU NO WAY)...BOY,THAT ONE GOT COMPLETELY ON MY NERVES. BUT YOU WHAT...? I AM TOTALLY GRATEFUL FOR MOMMA'S WISDOM TODAY. COMPLETELY GRATEFUL THAT I WAS RAISED...THAT WAY. SO, LIKE I SAID...I DON'T BELONG TO CLIQUES...I BELONG TO GOD. AMEN AND PRESSING ON. ENJOYED, THANK YOU...LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Interesting topic, Ron. I was never one for cliques and never belonged to any, not in person and not on cyberspace. I wouldn't call AD a clique, so I don't include it.

I wave my open flag to you, I am not a joiner nor do I like cliques,
as many of poets out there I pluck away in my solitary island but every once in a while, I meet a kindred spirit Ron. Nicely penned, have a great Sunday :)

I have to say you bring a fresh perspective to the events that we see everyday, but pay little attention to in such depth. You are right, (of course yet again), I never thought of this in that way, but yes I can see it clearly. Well done again my friend.

PS

This is an intelligent perspective on the subject. When I was in school, and I mean before I got my university degree allowing me to apply for a job as an "educator," I wanted to belong to any group that would have me. Sadly, or perhaps, fortunately, that never happened. I simply did not fit into the expected "norms" of the school environment. I now understand why. And now, I am happy I did not "fit in." With each new day granted to me, I begin to understand myself better. The beauty of it is, I love myself in serenity a lot more than I did not so long ago. And that is because of those who actually "engage" with me (like my best female friend ever who is my "reflection" except way better looking). 😉 And you are one of those individuals, Ron. My sibling, whose essays I have kept on here after his passing, respected your views, even if he may not have agreed on every point. Thank you for eliciting reflective thinking. All the best always,



Regis (Reg) 🙏🍁🌳🌎🌲🌏🌍

Ron, I enjoy your verse, how you use unique line-end words and how you structure the stanzas. Also, your topics are usually completely relatable, most with human interest, all with a smorgasbord of experience. ~~ djl

Never considered myself to be part of a clique. Always felt like a loner, at least until I became part of a bicycle group called 'The Old Cranks'. Really felt that I belonged, but now the old 'Old Cranks' are getting too old to ride, we're all just slowly dropping out to make room for a younger group of 'Old Cranks'. A few of us do mewet for coffee every now and then, but it isn't the same.
So I'm back to feeling like a loner.

Thought provoking poem, Ron

Mark

I've found that people in cliques have lost the ability to think for themselves. They are like the "Melonheads" of Kirtland, Ohio. Check it out.

Hugs!

Jane

It's so silly how society puts people in category boxes to use and control us. I escaped that a long time ago through something called self esteem. Great write Ron..

Well, I can't say myself is being one without cliques. We all have them. But l will always be me - A Chinese Canadian, and I don't hide my culture from anyone. People can either accept me or not accept me, but I will always have my voice.

Sandie

I would like to believe that I am just me, not bending myself out of shape to belong. Well written.

Succinct and right on. Some wise and learned thoughts in this rhythmic array of what we've become more of. Insight and caution. Well done.