The Bully's Secret
68
The Bully
Dangerous attitudes,
compel us to rebel.
Ignorant of manners,
backs down to confrontation.
Bullying ways,
learned from childhood.
Never your fault,
alway's someone to blame.
Crying out for Love,
seeking acceptance, never found.
Unable to reciprocate,
that part of you is lost.
Feed that empty feeling
with all the food it wants.
It never fills that hollowness.
You lie and hide to cover it up.
Find excuses to feed it more.
Hiding behind the weight,
when all you really want
is love, acceptance, peace.
You think that no one sees.
We do see, helpless.
We want to help,
But the requirement here:
You have to love yourself.
You must dig deep into your soul.
Find yourself and be honest.
You must put demons to rest.
It will be an epic journey;
Fraught with horrific memories, monsters, and ire.
They must be brought forth to be put to repose.
This journey is not for the weak.
Only the brave at heart would dare.
It takes a valiant attitude to mend a broken soul.
Author's Note
As many of my readers know I have not really been a fan of poetry however it is something that I am growing a big appreciation for.
This is my first attempt at free verse. This is a learning process for me. Thank you in advance to all who read this.
Tammy
Copyright © 2010 Tammy Lochmann
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Well, if this is your first attempt I can only imagine what will follow with practice. :) I've found it good. Well done Tammy.
Hey Tam, nice one, let the others who are around bully help them around but it must come from them first, at time they say bullying is a sign of getting attention, I can see the caring attitude of you here, Thank you, Maita
Lorlie, Hypnodude, Maita...Thank you so much for your kind reviews. I will definitely keep them under consideration. You are too sweet all of you!
Sincerely, Tammy
I liked it, Tammy! It is deep in meaning which is an important feature of poetry. It yells out and brings across a message! First attempt? May be publicly, but I am sure you have done poetry inside your mind and heart a thousand times!
Warm regards and blessings,
Al
Beautiful verse, a perfect, poetic representation of the consciousness of the bully, and it's remedy. Great work!
You're welcome. :)
Al...any comment from you is worth a million more. Thank you for reading my friend. I am really humbled by the response to this already. Thank you
Sincerely, Tammy
Dgenr8...Thank you for your most kind and thoughtful comment. I am now encouraged to write more poetry.
Sincerely, Tammy
Great poem...thank you as you continue on writing...same applies to people in so many ways .
Blessings
Good start, and we like the thought. You have to love yourself before you can truly love others.
Looking forward to your next poem.
I wouldn't have guessed that this is a first attempt! Good job!
Quill...Thank you I am honored by your complement. I think I should change the picture though.
2patricias...Thank you so much ladies. I truly appreciate your kind review. Always happy to see you.
Rose..thank you for your enthusiastic review...much much appreciated.
Love the Poem but am more smitten with yer new photo, loves it loads x
Wow, Tammy you touched my heart with this poem. You could have been writing about my dear sweet lost neice. She is so lost. Your poetry is beautiful and moving. Keep it up .. can't believe you've just begun. Blessings!
This IS good, don't deprecate yourself. You expressed what a LOT of us feel about bullies. Casgil recommend you on a forum, so I dropped in for a visit, and it was well worth it. Thank you!
Very, very nice, Tammy. First attempt? Nahhhh..... Really? You strike at the root on this, and I can only hope you will keep writing poetry. Kudos!
Its hard to beleive that you havent written poetry for years, I really liked it Keep it up.
Nice poem Tammy! :)
TattoGuy..ur a sweet sweet man! I don't care what they say about you! Loves you lots too. Thanks for stopping by.
Mekenzie...Thank you ever so much for your very thoughtful comment. It really is a first attempt. You are too kind.
Sincerely, Tammy
lovely thankyou
Paradise7...Thank you so much for the encouraging words. I have been studying and trying to find my creative self. I really didn't want to post it but I thought what the heck. Thanks again for the encouragement.
Sincerely, Tammy
Lady Jane...Thank you so much for the encouragement. You and some others were the inspiration for this. Thanks for the input. Much appreciated.
Sincerely, Tammy
Daniel...Thank you so much. I really am thrilled that a musical person such as yourself likes this. Your input is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely, Tammy
Salt...Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. Your input is important.
Sincerely, Tammy
I agree Tammy, and really appreciate this hub. Recently, in forums, which i now avoid..Someone made a statement saying that there is not one single bully on hubpages..ppffft. Yeah right.
I disagreed, and then this person tried to tell me that 'bully' is a physical term only. This person is a self proclaimed 'smart person'- know it all. Clearly this person is unaware that young kids, still in single digits age, commit suicide because they have been bullied to the point where they can't take it anymore. Sometimes by means of cyber bullying, or txt bullying alone. To be unaware of the repercussions of bullying, and to deny that it exists on any level other than physical...doesn't sound like a very smart person to me..
Bullying is serious, also the issues that a bully has with themselves, the reasons why they bully, are equally serious. I would like more people to acknowledge that. This poem points those things out well.
Thanks Tammy!
This is beautiful Tammy, I can't believe it's your first attempt! Weldone keep up the good work :-)
Nicely done, Lockerman. It's really your first attempt??
Sophs...Thanks I really appreciate that especially from a poet as experienced as you are.
Sincerely, Tammy
Holle...Do you really think so? Seriously you are a literature guru. Do you really think it's that good or are you just trying to be nice. I have been doing "The Artist's way" it is a course in discovering your creative self. Now that the cat's out of the bag...I really would like your expert opinion. I haven't written a poem since I was a kid and had to in school.
sincerely, Lockerman
PS loved the interview in the newsletter.
Hey Rockstar--very good poetry...your first one? wowzie! I don't think I would attempt, as to fall on my face--and then I would look like a bully punched me up to a pulp at the playground.hehehe oh, that would never happen. tsk tsk tsk
You know Tammy, you are a good person-you do great work for others as a nurse, you do God's work, you are caring, loving, funny, intelligent and just an all round great person-and very beautiful on the outside that matches your heart! I just wanted you to know that. You are "light" around here and I always look forward to your hubs/comments.
Don't let the bullys get to you! In person as well as in my hubs..I just won't allow it. Sometimes I delete and sometimes I leave it up so that people can see "darkness" to make the point. In real life, I hate to say it but I am the one who will whoop somebodys a##-like a street fighter giving a good dang whoopn if I see them hurting another-a child-or doing something bad to the good people-homeless and weaker people. I guess it is something I should probalby stop doing-bail money is hard to find hahahaha-but I can't..I just am a fighter for the 'underdog' and I always think I will be.
I am and always will be in your corner...RING RING...ooh I got to go and get my gloves on...someone is calling for me..heheheh love you!
Wow!! amazing poetry! I love your idea, a bully is a loser.
Ghost...Thanks and I would take a few punches for you too, Warrior Princess! You already knew that. I know a good heart when I see one LOL. Thank you my wonderful friend.
Lotsa love, Tammy
I love it! Your poem gives great insight into the heart and soul of a bully. Thank you for sharing.
You are welcome antoinette. Thank you for reading and making a comment. Very encouraging.
Sincerely, Tammy
Tammy,
What a beautiful, expressive piece. It reaches out to the soul. I hope that you will continue with your free verse. What the world needs is love.
Warmest regards,
Chris
Tammy, I gotta give you credit for trying something new, spreading your wings and expanding your horizons. You did an awesome job. Thank you for sharing it with us.
P.S. even though I'm told your hub scores improve when you participate in the forums, I tend to stay away from them too. My time is just so much better spent with something a little more productive - you know? Tried it, don't like it.
Chris...thanks for the vote of confidence. So nice to see you out and about. It's really great to see you here.
Sincerely, Tammy
Duchess...Hi thank you for your comment. I am so over the scores right now. I have other opportunities opening up for me as a result of this anyway. HP is a really great place to learn to be a better writer.
Thank you for the encouragement. As always it is great to see you. Take care.
Sincerely, Tammy
That's wonderful news Tammy! Good going!
Duchess...Thank you my friend!
This is an amazingly good start, Tammy. Well done! Do tackle more poetry. You have a nice spare, clean style that works well for blank verse - repetition for emphasis; simple (but not simplistic) language to carry complex ideas with clarity - an entirely worthy first go!
Redelf...Thank you for your encouraging comment. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. I will definitely do more poems.
Sincerely, Tammy
Tammy- If this is a first, well I can't wait for a publsihed poetry book from you, consider this Stumbled Upona nd rated up and bookmarked and all that good stuff.
Thanks Rebecca! I will definitely be trying my hand at more poetry with all the positive feedback that I have received here. Thanks again my friend!
Your poem touched me on many levels, Tammy. I could imagine both the bully and the bullied...their symptoms can be the same, and for both, the journey through it, if the journey is ever made, is heartbreakingly painful. The cadence and sparseness of language propelled me effortlessly from beginning to end. A first poetry publication? Well, I guess you better get to work on many more.
One more thing, about the forums...this is a worthwhile feature on HP for many reasons, so I want to say to you what someone close to me once said a long time ago when I was feeling picked on and indignant, too: Don't let the bas****s get you down! You clearly have a lot to share whether it's in Hubs or forum posts. Keep going!
Wow, Tammy, This is truly amazing for first attempt at free verse. Delivered with meaning and understanding. It was very touching on so many levels.
Great Job!
Sage
Sally's Trove...Thank you so much! I agree that the forums are a worthwhile feature, I will be back to them thank you for the encouragement. I still read a lot of the forum posts every day, I just haven't been participating. Forgive me for waffling there are a lot of wonderful people here and you are right don't let the bas***s get me down.
ladyonthemirror...sorry I skipped you I thought I had replied I know I went to visit your site. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.
Sage...Thank you I can't believe the response I have gotten on this. Thank you again.
Tammy, you are a great poet. It contains a lot of good wisdom, and I really would anyone who has been on the receiving end of bullying to read this. You write so well. Plus I loved the cats! It reminds me of an Graham Knuttel painting, his characters always look around at one another with looks like that! Heh! : )
The bully thrives in secret, but withers in full view of others. Great Hub!
Hard to believe it was your first time you were so good at it! And look at the crowd that gathered to watch! Good for you! Thanks for the pleasure.
Cheeky Girl...Well said my friend. Thank you for your words of wisdom they have added to this hub. I am still stunned with the reaction to this. Thank you so much.
James...You have put a smile on my face and happiness in my heart. Your encouragement means so much to me. Thank you!
"when all you really want is love,acceptance and peace"
WOW I love that part Tammy. So hard to see past the ability to hurt when it comes to bullies, but it is so true, what they seek most is love and acceptance and strangely enough peace!
I can't believe this is your first poem. Needless to say it should not be your last. Great piece of work here!
Jen...Thank you my friend. That comes as a great complement coming from such a prolific writer as yourself.
Wow... I just had a problem right here on hubpages with my ex- spouse' s family member bullying me, so your poem hit home with me! Thanks for writing it!
Thank you. I love it! and Cool hub
susanlang...Honestly I wrote it about someone I work with. But I did get bullied by someone on HP looks like he got banned from the forums...too bad. Anyhow, I am really sorry about you being bullied by your ex's family members they must be pretty low to stalk you all the way to HP.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and make a comment.
Sincerely, Tammy
Jenny...Thank you for stopping in!...I checked out your website. You take beautiful pictures. I have been salivating for a good camera to take my own stock photos with.
You taking the time to stop in and make a comment means much.
Sincerely, Tammy
Tammy, keep it up..it is really good. It is beautiful. And I also tried the forum and responded to someone about some advice of a purchse they has given and that I did not have a good response with and they went off on me and would not let me explain; I automatically was lazy and "he" finished by saying "---- ---". That was really rediculous and I can't see why hubpages would allow that, because I did not do anything wrong. But, I saw something later that made me feel better because I saw it as the nature of this person..it was not me. You are right in saying that some bullies have to be right, their way or the high way and the other person is totally wrong. I do not claim to be a professional at anything but Mortgage Lending because I worked in it for 30+ years, all I am trying to do is learn, grow, educate myself to things I have never done and yes to make $'s. But, I love writing and trying to help someone and usually whether the writing is good or not; it feels good to me because it has come from within. That counts for something, if we get no praise from anyone else.
Thank you and it is very worthwhile...the pictures made me laugh because I have four of those furry friends...
This was a lovely poem! I suck at poetry so I speak with a bit of authority here, you did a GREAT job!
Ictodd1947...Thank you for sharing your story about the forums. You can complain about someone attacking you on the forum. There is no need for that there. I happen to know that some of the attackers that were there are banned for now.
Thank you for reading my poem. I am definitely going to write more I have a ton of muses for my picking. I love the way you write and you are a very kind person. Keep up the good work neighbor.
Sincerely, Tammy
peptalk...Hi nice to meet you. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my little poem and making such a nice comment. I am very humbled by the response to this poem. It has been a great experience and very encouraging.
Sincerely, Tammy
Oh thanks and your welcome!
"It takes a valiant attitude to mend a broken soul." - nice line.
Love and peace
Tony
Tonymac04...Thank you. I sure appreciate you taking the time to read and make a comment. I am very encouraged with the amount and positivity of all the feedback I have received.
Sincerely, Tammy
Susanlang... :-D
I enjoyed your poem Tammy. Poetry has a lot of room, that's why I've always liked it anyway.
Ben
Ben...I have to agree with you. It does have a lot of room, room for thought. I haven't been a big fan. But hey you grow even when you are grown. Thanks for reading and making a comment. I am always glad to see you.
Sincerely, Tammy
Marcel...There are bullies on HP they make the forum experience not really worth the effort. I decided to keep visiting but not post anything that would warrant some jerk giving me a hard time.
Bullies are actually cowards who have skeletons in their closets. They camouflage by posing as they do- just making noise. They will be silenced by tolerance anyway. Great first attempt to be a poet.
Lita C. Malicdem...Thank you for taking the time to read and make a comment. Bullies are just what you say. I have to deal with them every day...so do my kids. I feel sorry for them.
Tammy I would never have guessed this was your first poem on here. I think what added impact to it was the way you explained the reasons bullying happens. Well done.
2uesday...Thank you, you are most kind in your assessment. There are some good examples and teachers here on HP. It's nice to see you.
You did fine by this. You nailed it by tapping into the psyche of a bully. They only want the pain and suffering they feel from the lack of love and compassion in their own lives. An admirable effort on your part.
Speaking of poetry, have you seen this Tammy?
http://hubpages.com/hub/tips-for-writing-poetry-an
I think you'll like it ;)
Thank you Dohn...I haven't even given another thought to writing another poem yet. I am going to go and check out your link right now though. It's always really great to see you.
Great free verse and what a great photo to go with it. In fact isn't that a great new idea to share with the world - to write poems but include a photo. It takes us in - I mean I kept going back and looking at the photo - then reading - then photo - reading, smiling!
Nice to meet you by the way!
BkCreative...Nice to meet you also. Thank you for the lovely comment. I almost changed the picture because I thought it wasn't serious enough so thank you for that. I am in the process of writing and editing another to be published soon. Thanks again!
It's not just the words Tammy, it's the force behind them that makes for impact. And yours carry that. Strong yet compassionate poem....loved it! Keep writing...real emotions are not limited to any genre; they always find a way of reaching the reader.... :)
MOW...Thank you for your encouraging words. I am honored to see it coming from such a wonderful writer as yourself. I have another one I am tweaking right now. Thanks again.
That was good, I was surprised that it was your first attempt.
daisyjae...Thank you and nice to meet you. It was my first attempt since grade school.
Could have fooled me you are a natural. Great subject matter. Looking inside the soul of a bully, its takes a special person to go there. Their ugly exterior builds a wall that no one wants to climb.
pmccray...You are so right I have known way too many bullies. I did dabble in some psych nursing way back when I was a newbie nurse. Thanks my friend it is always good to see you.
yes bullies, can be oppressed people, sad that some never work it out and die bullies, because of how they were in fact treated once....... lovely words, keep writing poetry, you are a born poet, by the look of things...... i only write poetry mostly, because of my low concentration span..... reading or writing anything too long is a challenge for me....
poetlorraine...Thank you so much...This is a big honor coming from you being such a wonderful poet. I appreciate your lovely appraisal.
the pleasure is mine...... there is so much depth to your work, i must read more thankyou
I enjoyed reading this one. I'm helping my daughter deal with bullies so it's very relevant to me!
ceciliabeltran...glad this was something that could help you. I hope you and your daughter find the strength to get through being bullied.
I gave her scripts, seems to work. She's in kindergarten. :)
ceciliabeltran...I have a kindergartner too. Something in common.
Simply well done, very well done - keep writing, Tammy...
Moulik Mistry..Thank you for your kind comment.
"It takes a valiant attitude to mend a broken soul."
I've had to take my soul into the soul repair shop for the works! Actually I've had to take it in a couple times. Thanks
Micky Dee...Hope you have that problem licked....Thanks for the comment and for reading.
my heart and mind bullies me everyday and chants - TAMMY TAMMY TAMMY TAMMY - YOU MUST READ HER HUBS AND BECOME righteous!!!!
epigramman...You must read them and you shall become righteous and a believer in things you never imagined believing in...Ha ha ha ha ha (evil laugh)
Thanks my new friend for stopping by an leaving me something to giggle about...Say hello and give Little Miss Tiffy a big hug for me.
Excellent poem!
Thanks DustinsMom
lorlie6 Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago
Tammy-what a fantastic first attempt! Please continue in your poetic quest!
PS: Love the photo.