Legacy

This poem won a Top Story Award here on Vocal in April 2023

Your obituary came across my Facebook feed today

And it took me by surprise

You were my elementary and

High school tormentor and bully

The person I always think of when I think of evil and hatred

I always wondered how I would feel this day

Part of me feels such sorrow for your family, friends, and children

I know they saw a part you that was loveable, kind, and compassionate

But that is not person I experienced

The other part of me rejoices that your

toxic, remorseless evil is no longer present on this earth

As I was reading the glowing accolades to you

I was suddenly startled by a “tribute” from another classmate that rang true for me

I was not your only victim

There were other souls you abused

And who are courageous enough to hold your feet to the fire

Even in death

This brave man is willing to hold you accountable

Even if you are not here to defend yourself

Unlike this man, I did give you the opportunity to defend yourself

I allowed the door to be opened for you to seek forgiveness

And atonement

To take responsibility for the pain you caused

Ten years ago, when we were both 52

You contacted me on social media

Wanting to be my “friend”

I was shocked and repulsed,

And I ignorantly thought you might be trying to make amends

So, I accepted your “friendship” and I asked why you were contacting me

After having mentally and physically abused me for eight years as a child

I opened my heart to you

About the pain and damage, you inflicted on me

Foolishly thinking I would get closure and the opportunity

To release the pain and forgive you

But instead of taking ownership of your actions

Or apologizing

You simply shrugged it off and snottily replied

“Well, kids will be kids.”

Greg,

Normal kids do not chase and mentally assault others for years and years

Normal kids do not write nasty epithets on school walls

Normal kids do not chase and throw rocks at other kids

Normal kids do not tackle other kids and rub wet garbage in their faces thinking it is funny

You relentlessly did this to me from age 10 to 18

You would never stop or let it go

What kind of family did you grow up in

Where this behavior was condoned?

Greg, I knew then you had not changed

And I removed our "online" friendship

You are not getting off that easy

As the Bible states (it does)

You are not required to forgive anyone

Who does not show remorse for what they have done

And who has not asked for forgiveness

You can forgive yourself for holding onto the pain

But if they do not accept responsibility for the damage they caused

You owe them nothing

At 52, you should have figured that out

I truly feel for your loved ones who loved you

They clearly saw a side of you that you did not choose to share with the

People you bullied

I will always care and love you as one of God’s precious children

But you will also always be

The poster boy of vile unadulterated hatred and the first person I think of

When I witness bullying and torture

That is your legacy in my heart, Greg

And others as well

I will pray for your soul

You are in God's hands now.

(in remembrance of Greg A. Humble, 1960-2023. May God bless and forgive you.)

- Julie O'Hara 2023

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