This is a guest blog post by Miranda Wong: her powerful poem addressed to bullies
Way Back When: School Bullies
What good does it do you
to call me names
make squinty eyed faces or
tape your eyes up on a deep slant?
You think you are so mighty
throwing my coat in mud,
ramming me against the wall
or punching me out?
Do you feel powerful while
tossing my backpack down a cliff,
running toward me full speed
or ripping up my notes?
What does it say of your character
when you turn your back,
while you roll your eyes
and throw out my lunch?
Did you learn this xenophobia
from your parents? These acts you find
so funny—copying faces or demeaning words
is beyond low to me
I have a right to be treated fairly
even if I don’t look like you
You say I “talk funny” but at least I can speak
three languages … You can’t!
There’s enough trouble at home
you can’t even imagine, so
spare me your insults for I’m human too,
just leave me be and grow up
The rule is simple:
if you wouldn’t like it
done to you,
then don’t do it to others!
The world is harsh already for me
Imagine being treated the same way
Stop being a loser
Stop picking on me!
© Miranda Wong, September 2022