This poem speaks of the far-reaching effects of being bullied during school years are still evident in the lives of those whom I know have, unfortunately, experienced this toxic behaviour.
I wrote this poem decades ago. It is based on a true story which took place before policies around bullying in schools were implemented. It is based on a friend's experience. He was 60 years old when he told me, with vivid clarity, of the continuous bullying that he endured as a young boy.
He was beaten on the way to school and at school. He dreaded walking to school in fear the bullies would beat him up. He often hid under a bridge and deliberately missed catching the school bus. Then he would walk the distance to school, arriving late to avoid meeting the bullies along the way. He was a gentle-natured, happy person.
Some people can heal from these past traumas, but others gentle people struggle to heal from this trauma. With the start of a new school year, let's look out for our children to keep them safe and happy during their school years. Let's stop bullying in schools. Beverley Joy
You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and LinkedIn and simplystorypoetry.com.Thank you for listening.
