19 Comments
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Jan 20, 2025
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man of aran's avatar

Interesting association, Carolyn! Think you’ve got something there. Thanks!

Rolando Andrade's avatar

Loved the rhythm of this poem. I felt like the poem was bullying me, but in a good way

man of aran's avatar

Great comment! Thanks, Rolando!

🌹🌹🌹's avatar

Maybe this was the contract between your highest self and your, he was pushing you to overcome fears to stand up for your self to be angry to the point that you don't care anymore, and love your self 🫶🫀🫂🪄

man of aran's avatar

I appreciate your insight and care, 3 roses!

Dian Parker's avatar

The rhythm, rhyming, and slow dread. This is terrific!

man of aran's avatar

Thank you, Dian!

David Kirkby's avatar

Well written...

and sadly too common.

Hey - his name wasn't Donald, was it???

Dave

man of aran's avatar

Ha! Well, here in Canada, we are definitely feeling it. Intimidation level ramping up. Thanks, David.

Lilija Valis's avatar

Rhythmically faltering poetry deepens the experience the poet shares. Subtle, yet deep. Making visible what is invisible. Thanks, Man of Aran!

man of aran's avatar

Thank you, Lilija!

Ann Collins's avatar

I feel this one! Such a clear portrait of your bully (the coward).

And of you, Alan 💛

man of aran's avatar

Appreciate it, Ann. Thank you for your words.

Richbee's avatar

Inside his fist fits into my stomach. Knots that I take home to unwind.

Bully punches. I turn cheek. He stops to wonder why. Takes two to fight. He leaves me alone. Inside he festers. Unhappy, whereas I’m happy, and live for many more reasons. Known a few bullies. They are all the same. I think someone hurt them more than they think.

man of aran's avatar

Definitely true. I’ve written on the subject elsewhere. Hurt people hurt people. Thanks, Richard.

LeeAnn Pickrell's avatar

This is so powerful. So raw and so well done.

man of aran's avatar

Very glad to hear that, LeeAnn! Thanks.

Margaret Ann Silver's avatar

Oh, what a poem. One of my sons started at a new school a year ago, and it was like he had a bully assigned to him from the first day. It's so horrible. (Thankfully, the bully left him alone after the teachers got alerted, but I know it's not always resolved so easily.)

man of aran's avatar

Thanks Margaret. I’m so sorry about what happened to your son. Sounds to me a sort of hazing was going on. At least something was done. In my day, it was laissez-faire. We were on our own. Best.