Flashbacks Poem by Marie WardAlonge

You were the football player that would boo.
You loved to say the words "Witchie Poo."
A winning smile she possessed when happy.
Around you, her pride was taken and you made her feel crappy.
Your words and actions became one big stain.
She never harmed you. She never wished you any pain.
Insulting her-What did you have to gain?
Before you moved, your words became gentle.
You might have matured and became less judgmental.

You were the bad girl from the wrong side of town.
You were the circus and we followed you like clowns.
Lunch money, I remembered you made one of the girls bring.
Not from me—I had a cousin who had tougher fangs.
She was waiting to defend me in the wing.
Some girls were not so lucky.
You were a terror.
You could have been named "Chucky."
Your game was down and dirty.
No pleasant thoughts came of you even in my thirties.
I knew courage we lacked.
We should have defended our own backs.

You were the teachers from the past.
We couldn't understand why you would yell and whip our tails.
You made some stoop very low
Just to do your duck walk around that floor.
Of you and your aide, we were nervous and afraid.
That same lunch money girl stood up and became brave.
She reported you to the right source.
We were all saved.
Oh yes, how we rejoiced!
While one continued and stayed,
The other one was fired.
You know- it was the teacher's aide.

You were the girl that was looking for a fight.
When trouble was present, you were always in sight.
I discovered later you had a bigger battle to contend.
I heard—between you and your boyfriend.

You were the teacher's pet.
You had a habit of cutting people down to size.
You could be so mean and you didn't try to disguise.
I tried to understand you.
I knew you had been picked on too.
You were pretty and intelligent with a quick wit to match.
Those girls were jealous-your beautiful hair they loved to snatch.
I stood by you. I spoke up for you.
Through thick and thin, I was your only true friend.
You were disloyal.
I found out the hard way you were downsizing me to the end.
Years later, I heard one of the boys you were dissing.
You ended up becoming his first time Mrs.

As a nation, we had to fight for our freedom to take our place.
We were bullied and harassed.
Yet, when freedom was gained, some gave the same bad treatment to others- even to their own race.

Do you have any regrets in your eyes?
Have you been hurt?
Have you been deprived?
Do you have more pain for the ones who suffered-the ones who survive?

Please let them live in ease.
Give up your lifetime of tease.
You are one too many-too plenty.
You are bullies.
No, I won't cut you any slack.
You move on.
Your victims are left to deal with flashbacks.