Poetry

You say you were bullied too?

Really?

How often would you come home crying?

Did you ever hope to avoid questions about the bruises that your shirt could not quite cover?

Felt alone because you were left by your “friend”?

Hurt others because that was the only way to avoid being hurt yourself?

Have you had to stop going to places that you once enjoyed for fear of “them” being there?

What names were your favorite ones to be called?

Nerd?

Loser?

Geek?

Four eyes?

Terrorist?

Or some other racial slur?

Are you really traumatized by the experience?

If so, then you were bullied

and like everyone else

you suffer from this – the survivors curse.

But like all survivors, we learn and we are strong

And we will do whatever we can to stop you from being the bully to your next victim!

Put it in a packet

and freeze it.

Take it out when you really need it.

Our thoughts turn against ourselves.

We burn in anguish, blame overwhelming logic.

Who would have believed

fake it until you make it

would have to be used when it comes to believing in yourself?

I try to understand.

I try to adapt.

I try to learn.

But please explain again

what is the difference

between Software

and Malware?

Most are visible.

Signs of injury

or even trauma.

The worst ones

are hidden, unseen.

No one sees them

as you hurt

and can’t explain why.

Pet

Soft

Adorable

Cats.

Perfect

Sweet

Angel

Kittens.

Petting School Announcement!

At a job site.

In a restaurant.

Getting the special.

Finding your rhythm.

Laughing all night.

Mechanical processes grinding.

Our bodies functioning.

Society at capacity.

Call it cancel culture

or political correctness.

Crimes are revealed

and punishments doled out.

Some get away with murder

but those who are victims should not be silenced.

Believe your family, friends or loved ones

because some day they will be heard.

Hopefully it won’t be too late.

It is grey and fuzzy.

Both feet can fit into it.

It is warm and soft.

My cat loves to use it as his pillow.

My feet are always warm because of him.

Snow is melting.

The wind is still chilly.

Sun shines brightly.

A coat worn for half the day.

Puddles to explore.

So why am I on the computer still?

Little things throughout the week.

Then comes the time when more thorough work needs to be done.

Finding the energy comes at a cost.

The results are mostly worth it.

Except things get dirty again the next day.

Sometimes even the next hour.