Discipline

Unlike our culture where a person

Is degraded, broken, and an outcast

From society never to be accepted again

Because of committing a crime, a place

In Africa has a different punishment.

In a tribe called, Baemba, when a child

Gets into trouble, they place him alone

In the center of a circle. Friends and Family

Gather around and sing songs for hours

Telling him of his goodness and decency.

After the ritual is completed,

The child remembers his identity,

Not blame or ridicule, only forgiveness.

He then, feels love and acceptance

For whom he is.

Copyright © 2009 by Glenda Barrett

Glenda Barrett is a native of Hiawassee, Georgia. She is an artist, poet and essay writer.  Her work has been published in Woman's World, Journal of Kentucky Studies, and Chicken Soup for the Soul, Farm & Ranch Living, Rural Heritage, and Smoky Mountain. She has essays in Chicken Soup for the Soul (Tough Times for Tough People) and Hope Whispers which are available on Amazon.com 

Shirley Gerald Ware