Expressing Ourselves

Short stories, poetry, rambling thoughts, art, photography...expression by any means

We’re looking for more contributors to this page. If you have a story, poem, or art piece that fights against violence, promotes peace, illustrates a better way to resolve conflict, or has some other message appropriate to this Web site, please contact us.

Peace

By Sara

A bloody nose, a swollen black eye

Makes me think and wonder why.

There must be ways to counter hate

And stop the fighting—it’s not too late.

First it’s words—they’re thrown like stones

And then it’s feelings—broken like bones.

Stop and think about what you say.

Words can keep the hate at bay.

Our world can be a dark, cold place.

Or it can be an amazing space

Where children laugh and play together

And we reach out a hand to another.

It’s up to us to change what we see.

The world is ours—what will it be?

Give encouragement to someone you don’t know

Stand up for what’s right—your heart can show.

The life you save might be your own.

A smile, a word, a call on the phone

Might be all that is needed to stop the hate.

The door is open. Please don’t wait.

The Fight

by Kara N. Riccitelli

Bloody, broken, bruised, and branded,

Fractured ribs, the punch has landed.

Battered, wounded, twisted legs,

"Let me go!" the victim begs.

Now doubled over, spitting teeth,

His mother screams, consumed with grief.

Show no mercy, fight to death,

Till a broken body's all that's left.

There's no reason, none at all,

To cause this high-aimed youth to fall.

"Help me! Help me!" He gasps and cries,

But knows they'll beat him till he dies.

Pathetic soul left all alone,

Bloody face, shattered bones.

The mother wails, "It's not his time!"

They will pay for this vicious crime.

With no regret, remorse, or sorrow,

The gang will strike again tomorrow.

Now roses lie upon the grave,

Cherished friend we could not save.

Used with permission.

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