as a freshening teenage boy
just shy of sixteen years
foisted from a battle-scarred home
into this supposed school of highness
he is already in retreat
from vitriolic violence
from love that has gone
from hormonal eruptions
from the Bullies Three
the ostracization of the ostrich
he builds his defences
hands upon hands upon hands
he pushes away, and keeps all
at arm’s length.
Johnny is a little sissy
(Said the Bullies Three)
He runs from us and then he hides
It is such fun, hehe!
In the schoolyard, there we got him!
Cannot get away
The carousel we make him ride
We spin him ‘round for play!
Johnny is a little different
Has no friends you see
Shy and awkward (quiet too)
He shrinks internally
But a seed’s been planted, unintended
Which way will it grow?
Will Johnny turn out like a “Carrie” ?
None of us will know……..
(Picture credit: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/bullies-are-human
Aremyfeetofftheground 