My newest adventure is underway. It has lead me to take up residency in a new blog,
Like the Feathers of an Arrow (affectionately known as LFA).

...don't open...don't throw away... is not disappearing completely (not yet),
but postings here will be limited.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

11 Last Call: HIB - Internal Trauma (Speak Up)





HIB - Internal Trauma (Speak Up)

Sticks and stones may break your bones
but words...
                               words are like
Mola Ram's fingers piercing the chest cavity
withdrawing your still beating heart
while you--blood slowly draining--look on
as he displays your very core
for all to gawk and sneer at.

I picture him as the rough-n-tough 4th grader
and my heart stills in my chest; now,
three years later, he stand before me
eyes glassy--long-T wiping away tears
before they can fall and add to his disgrace.
My very core aches at the sight of him
desperately trying to maintain his dignity.
The office just a few quick steps
from the stairwell where we stand waits
unwanted, but it's okay 'cause I'm as good
as any office; so with a bit of prodding he
relates the words spoken in cruel jest in front
of his peers--frustration, fear, and despair
echo in his voice.

We talk of this infection and how I...we
can't let it spread--for his health as well as others.
With him resigned--
accepting of this idea,
I send him back to class then head
for the unwanted to complete the paperwork
so the investigation--the anti(bullying)virus
can begin it healing journey.

Broken bones can be reset and pinned,
but words....
                      becareful of the words
their stealth attack like internal bleeding
if untreated can cause massive blood loss
where your silence signs your death note.



Side Note #1:  For those unfamiliar with the HIB acronym, they stand for Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying.

Side Note #2:  Mola Ram is a character from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.



This is my offerings for this week's dVerse Poets Pub OpenLinkNight. If you get a chance, check out all of the talented poets who have stepped up into the spotlight.

11 comments:

  1. ugh...its brutal...bullying sucks...we take it pretty seriously at our school...i am sure it happens behind the scenes but we readily talk about it and make sure the kids know its ok to talk and not ok to be a bystander...

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  2. very intense and vivid imagery... I did not remember his name, but your words immediately brought that character to my mind.

    well done.

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  3. You're so right. Powerful poem. k.

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  4. bullying is terrible and like an illness it can destroy a kid's life..well written...

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  5. Thanx for the side notes, they help.
    Great story about "spreading the virus"
    Good fight.

    BTW, you have CAPTCHA activated and it is a pain -- not sure you know. It is hard to read and takes several times to submit a comment for me. Pls consider turning it off.

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  6. Bullying is crap in every way, people need to wise up and correct their kids and such, instead of turning a blind eye. Nice Indiana Jones reference too!

    And agree with the above Captcha gets no love.

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  7. Yes, words can hurt much greater and for much longer than physical injuries. A strong poem.

    I will third the comment on capcha. It is a struggle to comment with it on.

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  8. Words can hurt for the longest time ~

    You have your word verification ON ~ It would be easier to comment if you turn it OFF in the settings on comments ~

    Have a good day ~

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  9. happy thanksgiving to you as well...smiles...

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  10. Darn...I hate bullying of any kind and any age. It leaves so many mental scars.
    Very powerful. I'm glad he could talk to you.

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  11. This hits hard--I know we had bullying back in my school days, but it seems to be a larger problem today. Painful to read, but well-written.

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