Mark Toney Poet Couplet

Notes About The Poem

Close Encounters of the Bully Kind

I jumped on my bike as fast as i could
but not fast enough, it did me no good

The bully kid was big and mean and acted very tough
laughing all the while he quickly knocked me on my duff

Rubbing grass in my mouth, slapping me in the face
him laughing at me, me feeling so disgraced

He punched me so hard then left me crying on the ground
I slowly stood up, was there no one else around?

I gathered up my books and jumped on my bike
and pedaled straight home mustering all of my might

"What happened to you, son?" Mom was the first to see
I cried as I replied "i got beat by a bully!"

"I'm so sorry for you son, I'm so sad that you were harmed"
just then my dad walked in and immediately looked alarmed

Dad quickly asked me "Son, did you give him back the same?"
I sheepishly said "no" re-experiencing the shame.

Dad just stared awhile then said "I don't like what you're becoming.
Next time you better fight, give the bully what he's got coming!

First you punch him in the stomach then you hit him in the face
He won't hurt you any more, when you put him in his place!"

i slowly nodded as he left, Mom quickly gave my cheek a kiss
"I'm so proud of you son for not fighting with your fists

The Lord's servant doesn’t fight but should be gentle instead"
"Yes ma'am" i quickly said as conflicting counsel twirled round my head

The next 5 years when tensions flared i was a gentle talker
but as a bully approached my sophomore year i threw him against his locker!

Thank you Mom and Dad!






*** 
October 26, 2019
F T I series 9 childhood
Brian Strand, sponsor

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Constance La France December 7, 2024 at 6:40 AM Mark, great poem and example, so many kids are bullied, Constance Mark Toney December 7, 2024 at 7:33 AM So true, Constance. Today it’s far worse when social media is used. Side point: This poem was submitted to one of Brian Strand’s blog contest series in 2019. I remember you, Wendy, and I were regulars in submitting poems to his blog contests. His was the inspiration for my Flash Poetry Challenges. :)

Crystol Woods December 6, 2024 at 1:46 PM Awe poor kid! I got these same conflicting talks from my parents but it wasn't the same for me. My bullies used words not fists. Your poem was so sweet and emotional... everyone can relate i think. Great rhymes! Xo Mark Toney December 7, 2024 at 12:06 AM Thank you for brightening my day with your thoughtful comment, Crystol. The bully beating I received so many years ago is just a distant memory. Hurtful words can linger a lifetime. How important it is to be kind.

Line Gauthier August 11, 2020 at 3:48 PM Love that you put the cover of your book here, Mark. Great poem we can easily relate to. Mark Toney August 11, 2020 at 8:12 PM Thank you for that, Line. ~Mark

Gershon Wolf October 2, 2019 at 4:33 PM Interesting dilemma you had there, and very, very real. Rather amazing that you were able to follow both your mom's and your dad's counsel! Good for you, Mark! Cheers, Gershon Mark Toney October 2, 2019 at 5:03 PM I know, right?! Great comment, Gershon! Thanks for stopping by. ~Mark