Where have the days gone

The ones seen in those old movies when sticks and stones were the tools of torture

The ones where pain could be seen by others

Where the scars were physical

Those kinds of scars can heal easily

So why has it come to this

When you can hide behind a keyboard

When you can hide in false pretenses and identities

Where you can become someone else

When you can become a lie

Just to hurt someone else

Just because they're not someone you like

When has mental destruction become fun

When did we become a society of hate

Where, whatever you do, wherever you go, someone will hate you, even if you don't know

They lie in secret

They stay put and wait

Until they can find you online

And then they seal your fate, with slander and abuse

They say don't let the words bother you, to ignore the unjustified, unintelligent offhanded remarks

About your looks, about your personality, even if they don't know you

They know enough

Enough to know how to cut deep

Into insecurities that you've tried to get over

Drawing you back to when you hated all the imperfections about yourself

They make you vulnerable

And they seem to enjoy it

How have humans become so sick and twisted

To have a nature that feeds off of the shame and self-hate of others

Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt you

But they do hurt

And in a worse way

Mental scaring takes far longer to heal

Just turn off the computer, just don't go online

But that's not possible in this digital age

Just ignore it

How when you get berated whenever you try to be yourself

When your life can be ruined by a few strokes of a keyboard

Why is it necessary to make others feel worse to make yourself feel better 

How can you feel justified and fulfilled by tearing someone else down 

But, with everything said, don't take it to heart, I know it can be hard 

Understand that everyone has issues, and their's is being a 'bully' 

Such a childish name for something so detrimental 

It's not just for kids anymore 

And there must be something done I wish for a society that can be kind 

Repay kindness with kindness 

Give and receive respect 

See differences, agree to disagree and go separate ways 

Without the need to feel superior 

Lifting people up, not showering each other in compliments, but just being respectful 

Being a decent human being 

Where you support someone who is struggling through life 

Not make them feel worse 

Let's just be decent 

Not perfect 

But have the decency to respect others, not spread hate If everyone can put in a little effort 

Then maybe there's hope 

Just know, there is always someone who understands 

Who will support you 

Who can help ease the pain 

Be the doctor that can help heal those psychological wounds 

And care for you 

So nothing is ever the end 

Nothing is definite 

Everything can change 

And everything can get better 

So those who try to grab at your weakest point and twist a blade in your insecurities 

They should reflect Is there really a difference between you two 

Is it a projection of self-hate 

Don't pretend there are no differences Just accept them 

Everyone is different  

By race, sexuality, identity, or status 

Don't pretend that they're not there It's okay to acknowledge difference 

But not shame someone for being different 

Everyone can be different, and everyone is the same 

Everyone just tries to live life 

Whoever you are, whatever you do 

Just know there is someone out there who can help you