“The common mistake that bullies make is assuming that because someone is nice that he or she is weak. Those traits have nothing to do with each other. In fact, it takes considerable strength and character to be a good person.”
~Mary Elizabeth Williams
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Trolls
by Vacuous
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Trolls,
a mythical creature now real.
They roam the internet looking to eat.
Looking to eat emotions.
You get a kick out of pain from another.
You kick them down on the ground while they are already under it.
Using technology to get into their brains and heart.
You find it funny to bring suffering to someone who can’t take anymore and has already taken it all.
You let them slip farther down into the hole when they confide
in you something they won’t tell others.
You think it is funny, cute, fair to treat others with the disrespect you have honed.
You practice day in day out to make those around you
feel less significant.
Unequal.
Lifeless.
No matter how far a person thought you could push
you always found a way to push a little farther.
That’s all you’ve known.
That is all you will ever know.
Because at some point in life,
you decided to become a
troll.
◊
How much does bullying hurt? If we don’t know by now, after all the school shootings, teen suicides, mass murders in public places . . . The effects of bullying are painful and can sometimes lead victims to suicide as an alternative to pain. Bullying has a negative effect on everyone involved; the target, the bully and the bystanders.
We see the effects of bullying on the news almost every day. We read about it on social media. I don’t think anyone can turn a blind eye any longer. So what do we do about it? Spread awareness of the negative effects of bullying. If you see someone being bullied, try to do something to stop it. If you are a bully, and many adults are, stop bullying others. When you bully someone you take away their self-confidence. Bullying makes children feel lonely, unhappy and frightened. The effects of bullying can be devastating and lead to depression and suicide. In order to grow, we need to learn to lift others up, not tear them down.
◊
She yelled hopeless words
Like an old edifice, I
crumbled to the ground
◊
◊
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
~ Mark Twain
◊
Tyrant and Hope are this week’s prompt words chosen by Ronovan Hester of Ronovan Writes.
Ron hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge every Monday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your haiku poem. He is an author and poet and also does author interviews and much more on his blog. Be sure to check it out. Read Ron’s Haiku Prompt Challenge Guidelines for more information.
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I’m almost done with my self-edits for the 2nd installment of my Fantasy Angels Series. Tomorrow I will be sending it off to my editor. I am also working on revising my first book, The Basement, which touches on the subjects of bullying and verbal abuse. So stay on the lookout for that one. 😉
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An excellent post, Vashti. Sharing.
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Yay! I’m happy you enjoyed the post, Robbie. Thank you for sharing! ❤ xx
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So true, Vashti. Thanks for the reminder.
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You’re very welcome, my friend❣️Have a great weekend!
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Fabulous writing for the voiceless!
“A slap in the face is a walk away pace”…. Myth*.
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Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the post! 😀
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You’re very welcome. Good writing by you! 🙂
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Thanks. 😀 xx
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Powerful post and reminder to be there to pick someone up after they crumble to the ground–or let someone help you up if you are there. Thanks, Vashti!
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Thank you, Denise! It would be great if we could prevent someone from crumbling in the first place.😊💕
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Striking a chord, raising awareness and touching hearts. ❤
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Thank you, Annette! Raising awareness is important to me.😊💞
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Awesome stuff
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Thank you so much! 😀
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I love the passion with which you write, Vashti!
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That’s a wonderful thing to say, V.J.! Thank you! Enjoy the weekend! ❤
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You too!
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Thank you!
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Being a quote junkie, I love William and Twain’s words of wisdom. Very timely post, Vashti…thank you! ❤
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Oh, I’m happy to hear that. I love quotes too. Thank you, Jill❣️
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I’m obsessed with them! ❤
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My mother always says, when you pull others down, you end up beneath them. We should uplift others. I love the message.
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Great saying, Jacqui! Your mom is a wise woman. Thank you! 😀 xx
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I totally agree, fabulous post 💜💜
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Thank you, Willow! I’m happy you agree. ❤
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💜
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Great thoughts today.
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Hi Craig! I’m happy you think so. I’m reading, The Hat and I’m enjoying it. 😀 xx
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Oh, cool. Makes my day that you’re having a good time with it.
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I really am. I hate it when I have to put it down. Ha, ha. Is it in the RRBC catalog? Not that it has to be. I began reading it, because I was intrigued by it since the day it was released. I’m just curious to know if I can get book club credit for it.
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It is not, sorry.
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That’s okay. I’m happy that I’m reading it. 😀
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At Greater Miami Adventist Academy, we love the Basement and are looking forward to your next visit!
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That’s great, Cleo! I can’t wait to publish the new edition. I’m sure the kids will love the revised version even more. I look forward to another reading after the book is released. I’d also love to see a new group of kids re-enact another scene from the book. That was fun. Thank you! ❤ xx
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Powerful Haiku, Vashti, and the image is striking. The quote by Mark Twain is an ethic to live by ❤️
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Thank you, Tina! I’m happy you enjoyed the post. I agree with what you said about Mark Twain’s quote. Lovely thought. ❤ xx
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Such an important topic Vashti. One that needs to be addressed. Powerful words, images and haiku. 🙂
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Hello Marje! Yes, this topic is important to me and many other people and I believe awareness is the key. Thank you very much! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. 😀 xx
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Love this post, Vashti! I just wish more adults would become conscious to their actions and to those around them. I wish adults would help create a shift in the energies that are plaguing our earth right now, and stop the negativity and the bullying. Until adults learn how to be good role models, bullying will continue to erode our society. 😥
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I completely agree. It has to start with us––the adults. We need to be better examples for the kids. Otherwise, this is going to continue to be a vicious circle. Thank you, my friend. ❤
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Powerful post and haiku, Vashti … on a topic that always needs to be in the limelight. Brilliant!
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Hello, Annika! I agree. With everything that’s going on these days this topic does need to be the focus of attention, as much as possible, until the message finally sinks in. Thank you! 😀 xx
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Such an important message shared in such a beautiful and creative way! Well done!
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Hi Callie! You’re right, it is an important message. Thank you so much for the visit and kind words. 😀 xx
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