Not nakedness but difference perhaps
results from knowing good and evil ways.
Each trait that sets apart the other, traps
the unsure self who sees and names and preys.


Not inner strength but outer brawn upholds
destructive taunts entangling beaten down.
Each act that hurts with stinging words unfolds
the horror of compassionless false clown.

Not all at once but step by step the weak
may find that those who strike are victims too.
Each help that stops another damning clique
or brings more hope can build a world anew.

Mature as well as young are bullied
and struggling fall behind and pull ahead.

- Robert Stone, 20 November 2011