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Today, I was, as the kids say,
yelled at.
but it wasn’t a yell really – that would be loud, right?
it was a quiet aggression
dismissive
condescending
belittling
I actually couldn’t believe it
It’s unbelievable
to be spoken to like that
It feels like
yelled at
is the only way to convey the experience
I wanted
help
I got
a biting tone
I took a deep breath
I said,
“I know you might be upset,
but
the way you are talking to me
is
not
helpful.”
Now, hours later
I wonder
about the young people who are
yelled at
like this —
What can
they
say?
On a Thought 
I’m sorry.
Your shift from this moment and how it affected you, to inquiring about how a young kid is affected by loud words in sharp, critical tones is powerful.
The kid may not yet have learned the skills of the adult: pausing, breathing, speaking up.
“quiet aggression/ dismissive / condescending / belittling”
I’m sorry again. That’s awful.
I am so sorry this happened to you. I too have been in this situation with colleagues and parents and even administrators. It is true that even as adults we do not always have a voice when our roles are defined by occupation or position. Then, you shift to wondering about the impact on children who have NO voice and NO recourse of any kind. As an adult, we do have some options, as you note, and some experiences to help us understand. Our children are mere victims. Thank you for sharing words that will help many of us reflect on our words to others.
Ona,
I am so sorry you were “yelled at.” I’ve been thinking about this post several hours before reading. I had a feeling where it would go. You are right: “it is not helpful” to yell at people. I am a very sensitive person who cries easily, and my heart is shedding a tear for you. You chose the perfect structure; a poem drills down on the bare facts of this hurtful event. I hope writing was cathartic.
Perhaps we all have a few moments like this in our lives. At least I do, unfortunately, and I know how they can consume your thoughts for a long time. Consider that this is the other persons problem, truly.
Like Stephanie, I also applaud you for taking your thoughts to children who experience this.