9 Comments

How heartbreaking. That man has enough to deal with in life without being bullied. But good for him for relating it all these years later. That must have made him feel a little better.

Expand full comment

It's hard to know if he felt better or not. Mostly, I think he felt shame at not being able to protect himself. But I felt better, knowing the truth.

Expand full comment

Powerful poem, Amrita. Thank you for writing it.

Expand full comment

Thanks, Lisa. Part of a growing chapbook.

Expand full comment

My heart broke, reading this. I relate. The bullies. The awful bullies. He didn't tell. I did, which only made it worse for me. He's so lucky to have you. xo

Expand full comment

I knew it was going on--I instinctively didn't trust these two boys--but had no idea the extent. It still stuns me how cruel children can be to one another. I'm so sorry you suffered that, too.

Expand full comment

Yes, kids can be incredibly cruel. Now that I'm in active recovery, I've truly begun to understand the effects early trauma can have on children. And those children express their damage in so many different ways. I think we're witnessing the effects of trauma on two very notable bullies and their cohort right now. The sad thing is that their all out bullying is having it's effect worldwide. Two full grown bullies with the power to destroy us all. Some damage. xo

Expand full comment

Bastards! I have a grandson experiencing similar.

Expand full comment

Life-changing, really. And not in a good way. Thank you for understanding.

Expand full comment