I’ve been “away” for the last few weeks and have all kinds of excuses that I won’t bore you with. The important thing is, I’m glad to be back with Madison Woods and the rest of the Fictioneers. I’ve missed being inspired by the great photo prompts, like the one this week by Sandra Crook.
I love this photo, but have to admit I had a hard time trying to think of what to write. That is, until this morning, when I heard the story of Whitney Kropp, yet another teen who suffered from being bullied. Here’s her story.
I suppose we all have stories of being bullied in the past. I can remember a few instances when I was teased, even a few instances where I teased. But some of the stories I hear on bullying today are so much more painful — it seems people have gotten even more cruel. We need to stand up against it.
So, I wrote this poem.
Shall I keep climbing?
No.
So much easier to
throw myself
over the edge.
I’m tired of
trying to fit in.
Tired
of being teased.
On and on and on.
I need to rest
but can’t escape
what chases me in my head.
Someone approaches.
Leave-me-alone-leave-me-alone.
Please. Leave-me-alone.
Let me rest.
But this one smiles, extends a hand.
“You’re not alone.”
I stand, breathe deep and
we begin our climb
together.
To read more flash fiction by the Friday Fictioneers, click here.
Reblogged this on The Red Kimono.
Good one, I just wish everyone who is being bullied could experience this feeling of support.
You’re right, Sandra. That’s the sad part of bullying — so many kids feel alone. Thank you for your beautiful photo prompt!
What a moving poem. So very well done. I read the story and I think Whitney is a beautiful and brave girl. Thank you.
Thank you, Celestine. I also thought Whitney was brave and beautiful, inside and out.
Hi Jan,
I was especially interested about what you would write about this photo, and you didn’t disappoint. And I was glad to have a happy ending. Thanks for reading and commenting on my story. Ron
Thanks, Ron. I*’m guessing it wasn’t what you were expecting. 🙂
So much feeling and pain, and then relief. Glad she found a friend at the end. And glad to see you’re back 🙂
Madison, I had to add the relief, because I’m hopeful. But, it makes me sad that there have been so many for whom there was no relief.
Lovely take on the picture and poignant. So glad she found her support and happy ending.
Thank you, Emma! I hope we see more happy endings now that bullying is more in the spotlight.
I can see a smile of relief at the end. Nicely done, Jan.
Thanks, Russell. 🙂
I think many will read themselves in this and get some relief knowing that people do extend a hand. Very wonderful poem.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/dukkha/
Thank you, Maggie. I do hope that more kids who are victims of bullying realize there are many of us who want to extend a hand and a smile.
Very very moving, Jan.
Thanks, John!
This is very sweet and evocative. Well don, Jan.
Thanks, K.D. Good to see you back. Hope by now my comment has appeared on your blog–I enjoyed your story, too!
Welcome back. A grand return. I’m so glad a caring person showed up. I think there are more people like this than people think but peer pressure can be so strong that many of them never step up.
Thank you. sustainabilitea! You’re right about peer pressure. It just takes one to stand up…then two…then three. 🙂
“I need to rest
but can’t escape
what chases me in my head” Very perceptive. I suspect this is what pushes so many over the edge
I think we’ve all felt that at one time or another, vb holmes. Thank you for commenting!
Full of emotion. Glad this one had a happy ending. Thanks for commenting on mine, Jan. I’ll check out the link soon.
I wish they all had happy endings, Rochelle. Thank you for commenting, too.
Here, here! Timely and very well done. Left me with a pleasant shiver.
A pleasant shiver. That’s nice. 🙂
Very nice take! I think this photo is inspiring and can bring out the positive.
Thank you, Amy!
Nice one, Jan
.Isn’t amazing what just one friend can do? Together they climbed. Wonderful.
So much easier to “climb the path” with friends, Ruth. <3
Beautiful take on this prompt. A bit personal, too as our granddaughter was the victim of bullying all last year. Like you, I was absolutely stumped by this photo prompt. Unlike you, I just gave up. m
Maybe I’ll try something later.
Paul, I know it must have been difficult to see your granddaughter go through that last year. I hope things are better for her.
a partner is a damn good thing.
So true, Rich. I really enjoyed your flash fiction this week!
Hooray for poetry! This was wonderful. 🙂 I’ve felt like that in the past.
here’s mine:
http://sarahthestoryteller.wordpress.com
Thank you, Sarah. I think we’ve all been through it at some point. I do have to say, I’m glad I didn’t go through it in the age of the Internet. It seems so much crueler now, probably because the bullies don’t have to look the victims in the eye. Very sad.
People who write poetry amaze me. Never had the knack. But so beautiful. http://shirleymccann.blogspot.com/2012/09/friday-fictioneers-captured.html
Thank you, Shirley. Off to visit yours now!
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Dear Jan,
Welcome back and thank you for sharing your poem with us all. It is a reminder to work to earn the high opinion we all hold of ourselves.
Aloha,
Doug
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