Laughter is all I hear.

I hear the cruel whispers as I walk down the hall.

I can hear you.

 

I can hear their silent voices, smirking at the girl who walks -

who shakes the floors with every step,

who has fat on her body that makes her look like a whale

who walks the halls with her head down because that is what she believes.

 

I can hear their silent voices, smirking at the boy who jogs -

who tried to keep his secret

who likes the dark-haired boy in his English class

who walks the halls with denial - denial of who he is.

 

I can hear their silent voices, smirking at the girl who runs -

who walks home after school, rain or shine, because of no transportation

who picks up money on the street because it's valuable to her family

who walks the halls in rags and a body that hasn’t been washed in days.

 

I don’t laugh.

I yell, “Your words run deep in their hearts and stay. Someday, regret and shame will come.”

If you laugh, you are a bully.

Stop and take action.

 

Instead, help those that walk in sadness, walk with pride.

Help take the thorns off the roses and say,

You are loved,

You are beautiful,

You are supported,

I AM HERE.