Laughing and poking fun became the norm you ignored while being surrounded by those who who look like you not.

Day break and rang out the the alarm to learn something new. Chairs pushed together in a group and brains meeting of one mindset.

When the laughter ended... a book of tables was pushed. Apology ignored the fight commenced. Pushed into the bulletin board and pins of pain sent the nervous system into fight or flight.

Hair wrapped around fist tightly the blows of you will never hit me again rained like fire. We were both taking back in surprise of each other's skill.

Running teacher holding target became stable ground to keep going. We didn't stop. Fight lasted 35 minutes and when broken up.. we lunged again.

Halll shut down and guilty parties taking in for questions. We were in big trouble. The Plan came quickly.

"We are friends", became the saving grace of near expulsion. In school will the sentence be served. The memory still fresh and though a smile danced across the lips of story telling.. hindsight equalled "I caused you hurt".

Months later, whenever someone hurt my bully I stepped in. Not because of quieted guilt but because of lasting effect of hurt.. When I saw her parents reaction.. I knew she needed a protector.. I realized I was the bully after all.. so ended my anger.

Bully became protector. Til' this day.. I remember you and how you were treated by everyone who thought you were poor. My skin was my curse.. your silence was yours.

© Evone GoddessLegba Payton Banks