¡hastings! Susan Murray

A Knowing Smile

There is a shadow
in the harbor
your smile, knowing
eternal like the moon

She leans forward
wanting to hear me
what can I tell her
that she does not know?

Instead of speech
we stare together
at the horizon
where all answers lie
regardless of the dance

The Bully

She was tall and had a walker
She had a gait like a man with hands that were large and masculine
Bullies have extra sensory perception
They pick people who are sensitive to taunts and cruelty, people with weaknesses, poor sight for one, lack of money limited movement, all shortcomings and failings
That is who bullies like to find


Always sorry
Bullies do not change
They tell a sad story over and over to whomever will listen, going from shelter to shelter to school ground to park
Like a wasp looking for the right place to sting
Twisting gossip into bigger lies, waiting till the lies are heard by the victim.
Afraid to slap back or bite, I have only my mouth or brain to fight or not.


I can only run from the sting.
Even if I tell, it is me who is seen to be at fault.
No longer a child. Still hurt.
The bully on the playground was once a child, beaten and bruised for lisping, stumbling, running and crying all the way home.

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