Reflection on poem 2

Report from the Front – Heather Davis

Reflection

“Report from the Front” is a poem about an older (assuming) sister who is trying to teach and protect her younger sister about love and sex. As she urges her sister not to have sex with “skater boys” and how sex is like an “unexploded bomb,” the younger sister is rolling her eyes and really not listening or taking in what she is trying to say. As an older sister, I can relate to having similar conversations with my sister and seeing her simply shrug off what I am saying. It’s very frustrating because I, like the author, am just trying to protect my sister from harm that I have experienced. Then when I realize that I am not getting through or she is not listening- I think we just have to face the facts (or in this case, urge her to use protection). Though this is something that is often hard to do because as Davis says, it’s like reminding her to wear a “rosary,” its something that we are facing as a society. I think the reason many younger girls don’t listen to the advice, besides immaturity and being of a young age, is because of society’s image of what represents the “popular” girl” and the increasing need for self-approval. Young girls thrive on a guy’s approval and need to feel wanted especially if they are not receiving any attention at home. If they are not getting that attention, which is a huge need/reason for their behavior, they are more likely to become promiscuous and put themselves in dangerous situations. From experience at least with my younger sister, I have found that if I am trying to get a point across or educate her about something, it is best to use a personal example or story. Explaining what I did, why and the results allow her to understand where I am coming from and why I don’t want her going through the same thing. I feel if we just tell young girls or anyone to not do something without a reason, we might as well tell them to do it. People can learn from other’s mistakes or experiences, so its best to just be open and honest in order to prevent unwanted behavior.