As I slowly scroll

I read poem after poem about an aching deep within the soul.

They tell how they were affected

by the pain that was inflected.

It’s too much of a norm

and no one seems to care about the harm.

I want to ask if being a bully through their words and actions

brings about some sort of satisfaction?

But then again I’m not sure I care

because I’m more concerned about the burden others have to bare.

Little one listen close,

cause I might be able to help you through some of the lows.

Stay you

and don’t worry about their point of view.

Their words don’t matter

they just want to hear themselves chatter.

Don’t lose sight of who you are

because that will leave a bigger scar.

Don’t become who they want

because those choices will be haunting.

If they don’t like you for you

then they won’t no matter what you do.

To the teen,

I know they can be real mean.

Soon their words won’t matter

and your heart won’t feel so shattered.

You’ll be free from them all

and they won’t be able to make you feel so small.

You have to keep fighting

cause deep down you know their words aren’t right.

You have to hold to what you know is true

and keep pushing through.

I can’t tell you when it will completely end

or who will stick close and be your friend.

Adults do it too

and even then sometimes a “friend’s” words are not true.

You don’t have to do the things they do.

You can still be innocent. You can still be you.

Stand up for the weak

and always speak up.

Be the one who makes it end

be the friend who is there through thick and thin.

Don’t be like the rest.

Just be your best.