Redux
The injurious are on the prowl.
Instinctively my guard goes up.
Hurling words to pierce the psyche.
Expectedly waiting for more of a beat-down.
Another and another and another.
The taunts ricocheting inside me like a ping-pong ball.
Humiliation the game, the victor, no one.
I feel desperate and alone. I want to cry.
Fear, sadness, and agony achieved.
I don’t know how much longer I can take this!
Bored, looking for the next target to feel superior to.
I’m exhausted from this continued abuse.
I need to push myself over the edge to freedom.
Originally published 7/16/2018 on I Write Her.
Wonderful. The message and language is spot on, but I’m also impressed with the format – you can read it down the left, then down the right, or each line as it comes and each way is a complete poem. So hard to do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, JeanMarie! I’ve not written in this style in a bit, but I’m glad that it has impressed you! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bullying is horrible. Speaking out against it cracks open the door towards better things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Incredibly horrible! I agree, Joyce!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the form but the words are razor sharp and cutting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Val! That is high praise. ❤
LikeLike
powerful – wow
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤ Thank you so much, Ruth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Spot on!
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤ Thank you, Eugenia!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Susi!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love that last line, Susi! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤ Thanks, Penny! Yes, it is definitely an escape.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow at the ending line, “I need to push myself over the edge to freedom.”
This is such a superb and powerful poem, Susi!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That means a lot, Tre! Thank you! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re quite welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such strong words and so beautiful written.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤ Thanks, Sadje!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person