It’s friends who become bullies. Often, one person starts the bullying, but other peers often join in, and a harassment gang is formed. Bullying is the most prevalent form of abuse among adolescents in Western countries. Friends, victims previously trusted, turn against them and become part of the gang. They stand in the way of love. They watch you suffer.
Overnight, she was my ex-best friend. It’s amazing how you make your face just like a wall. How you take your heart and turn it off. Everyone was acting like it is normal, normal there’s a twelve year old girl getting pushed around in the hallway. It wasn’t a fair fight. I didn’t have the guts to defend myself at the time.
I can hear my voice shouting out, “if you have something to say, say it to me now.” I get no answers. There’s no reply at all. The sound of a closing door. My heart just spilled onto the floor. Everything is my fault.
Many bullied children suffer in silence and are reluctant to tell their parents or teachers about their experiences, for fear of reprisals or because of shame. Always wondering how to do better and escape a bully’s notice. How I long to be a shadow on the wall. I will make no sound at all. Can I blend in?
I’m not sure what the trouble was that started all of this; the reasons all have run away, but the feeling never did. I felt like no one understood me and no one could help me. It was always the same searing pain.
I told me to be patient. I told me to be fine. I told me to be balanced. I told me to be kind. Sit down, be humble. Don’t forget to keep that smile on your face. I know that it is freezing, but I think we have to walk. Redemption songs, it’s all I ever have.
Being bullied and socially excluded interferes with the fundamental need for humans to belong to a social group, which is necessary for well-being and positive emotions. Don’t let this darkness fool you, all lights turned off can be turned on.
Cut ties with all the lies that you’ve been living in. It’s alright if you want to go home. It’s alright if you don’t want to be alone. When you’re scared and your courage is hiding on a shelf, take mine. You never did anything wrong.
Bullying isn’t just an individual wound; it’s a community failure. If you wait to care about bullying until it reaches your own child, it’s already too late. When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior, they send the message that it is not acceptable. Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time.
Bullies are cowards. Been too mean for too long. You almost had me fooled. I was thinking about what was wrong with me. You don’t want to be changed like it changed me. I hope you’re somewhere praying. I hope your soul is changing. Thank you for how strong I have become.
It’s been a long time coming through the dark, dark night. I think I’m done with my hiding place. Love! Like a distant reminder, it tugs at my shoulder, it calls me home. I stopped into a church I passed along the way.
We were born to love, spread it like wildfire. Poetry, beauty, romance, love – these are what we stay alive for. Everything can change one fine day.
I’m proud of who I am. No more monsters. I can breathe again. I hope I remember all the pieces of who I was I lost on the way. I hope I never leave me again.
I forgive you.
Quote: One’s dignity may be assaulted, vandalized, and cruelly mocked, but it can never be taken away unless it is surrendered. — Michael J. Fox
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Artwork: The Art of Seth
Read next:
Redeeming Rhymes: An Essay of Hope Made of Lyrics
Endnotes are in the same order as the sentences they refer to.
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