Printing in Red

Take a space

and let it grow

(not up or into something new)

This will be where

you will set your lines

(borders, fences, ropes)

And you will take this,

making a little of a lot of this

to be yourself

*

A night like this -

facing bills, papers to mark,

Covid-linked isolation –

Does not allow me to say,

“Well, damn my luck”

I stared down St. Patrick

(another day in my best colour)

and I see that green can only grow

when the blue touches the yellow

(a flag grew from there)

*

A bully will always try

(and try, and try, and try)

They will always be there

waiting to take that

overwhelming first bite

(but they cannot swallow

and take in what stays whole)

Never fear them.

Never put a hand up to cover up.

Never ask for what you deserve.

Never give

(up or in)

Never imaging that the bully

(tooth-hard, aggressive and slick)

can stand alone

The great strength is knowing

just how weak they are

*

Thank you for reading!

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You can find more poems, stories, and articles by Kendall Defoe on my Vocal profile. I complain, argue, provoke and create...just like everybody else.

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