To All the Bullies I’ve Known…

Thank you for making fun of my glasses, my obesity and my hair,
for you taught me how to love myself for who I am.
I will teach my son to never in his life about such things care,
as the people’s obsession with vanity is quite an elaborate scam.

Thank you for spreading those random rumors about me,
for you taught me that I have no control over what others say.
I will teach my son to always truthful and honest be,
and not partake in, nor believe any unfounded hearsay.

Thank you for humiliating me on that Instagram reel,
for you taught me to separate true friends from those who were merely a farce.
I will teach my son to never hurt and always help heal,
for what seems like harmless banter can leave behind a lifetime of scars.

Thank you for those snide comments on the color of my skin,
for you taught me to be proud of my culture and identity.
I will teach my son to understand and remember his roots and origin,
and that the beauty of this world truly lies in its diversity.

Thank you for all the bullying I had to ever endure,
for without it I wouldn’t be who I grew up to become.
I will teach my son to remember that Karma will ensure,
that life in the end is a game of zero-sum.