People Like You

A Poem by Paul J. Senules

People Like You

Breathe deep and let it go
All the hurt and all the sorrow
At the time you thought you knew
The answers to questions as you grew
Many years have come and gone
Many tears have come along
You wondered why they hurt you so
You cried and cried and tried to let go
Your heart is true
Your heart is you
Many times you thought it would never end
Better to die than to live this trend
Someone like you will come along
Someone like you who sings your song
You never could hear
The beautiful words
The melody you make is really so clear
And now you see
You're not alone
They took your hand and lead you home
A new place
It's not the same
A new place
Without the shame
Now you will shine with breath anew
Your world is full of people like you

Bullying is a reality that no one wishes to have.

I was bullied in high school and it's a terrifying experience.  The bullying not only happened at school, but I was terrorized in my own neighborhood.  The sight of that Chevy Blazer in my neighborhood sent shivers down my spine.  There was no support for a young boy who was bullied back in 1975.  You just had to deal with it the best way you knew how. 

Today, bullying is front and center and there is much more support for victims of bullying.  Watch this video on Youtube from a 12 year old girl who has brought this terror to our attention in a beautiful and poignant way.

Remembering Matthew Shepard 13 years later.

Can you believe that it has been 13 years since Matthew Shepard was murdered?  Every time I recall this tragedy, I feel so sad and melancholy.  It was a terrible tragedy and a situation that we should never forget and strive to have this never happen again.

Unfortunately, bullying happens a lot and we've all heard and read about the most recent sad stories.  Let's listen to our children.  Let's sit them down and ask them how they are doing.  Let's take the time to notice subtle changes and even if your suspicions maybe be nothing at all, at least you'll know that you took the time to check in on you kid.

December 1, 1976 -  October 12, 1998

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Shepard