Bullies
Twin brothers,
bullies Shame and Guilt,
often block my way
on the sidewalk of Life.
Shame aims for the heart,
whispering menacingly,
“You’re no good.”
Guilt goes straight for the gut,
reminding me of all the ways
I’ve let people down.
On my weakest days,
I feel their double punch.
Shame flattens me with depression
while Guilt stirs up anxiety.
But on most days,
I’ve learned to call their bluff.
“You guys are mean
and you make no sense.”
On my best days,
I can ignore them,
not even engage
in their ridiculousness.
I just walk right past,
head held high,
and get on with my day.
By Maria Brady-Smith
Photo by Mike Smith
Oh, Love. Think of me as your mom and don’t do this to yourself. You are one of the kindest people I know. We have all done things we wish we hadn’t, and then we’ve learned that lesson and never do it again. Perhaps that is the point of living — a continuous series of moments of learning.❤❤❤
Thank you, Abby. That is so true. I think allowing these bullies to bother me is just a habit left over from childhood.
So pertinent!
Thank you. I hope you can kick your bullies to the curb!
Maria: I just discovered your poetry while at the Dentist’s Office. I’m a new fan of your work. Dr Tobben was kind enough to loan me “Light of Recognition “ and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. You have a gift; thank you for sharing it.
Fred Gardner
Washington
well, thank you so much for contacting me to tell me that. That was really kind of you!