The Bystander
I watch the terror build in her eyes
I won’t be able to sleep at night
Interjecting would destroy my identity
Nothing will change my mind
It isn't just me being selfish
It's me saving my chance for freedom
For once I’m not the target of choice
My home life gives me enough of that
This isn’t me making excuses
You’ll interpret my actions as you wish
It really doesn’t matter to me
You’re just as stubborn as I am
You’ve seen the same kids in your life
Shaking, sobbing, crying, begging
But help never came for them
Since help was never called to help
I might be making assumptions
And you all are honorable people
You would beat down the furious hands
Of a bully who gets in your way
Even if I’m entirely wrong about you
You don’t speak for all of your peers
They’re not angels like you are
They need a push in the right direction
I’m pretty sure you’re still in doubt
But that doesn’t change my answer
I will not help that girl in need
I will not be part of that horror
I don’t understand my sympathy
I’m not aware of what it’s like
I mean I guess I’ve felt it before
But that’s completely different
A family problem isn’t the same
I’m not letting them walk all over me
I fight back to show my strength
All this girl has is weakness
Maybe not weakness but something similar
Since she won’t mutter a word
The bully is pretty intimidating though
Maybe I do understand
Maybe she’s fighting a battle like me
And maybe she’s about to lose
Maybe she needs a little help
And maybe I need help too
“STOP!”