#FridayFictioneers #FlashFiction: Climbing

I’ve been “away” for the last few weeks and have all kinds of excuses that I won’t bore you with. The important thing is, I’m glad to be back with Madison Woods and the rest of the Fictioneers. I’ve missed being inspired by the great photo prompts, like the one this week by Sandra Crook.

I love this photo, but have to admit I had a hard time trying to think of what to write. That is, until this morning, when I heard the story of Whitney Kropp, yet another teen who suffered from being bullied. Here’s her story.

I suppose we all have stories of being bullied in the past. I can remember a few instances when I was teased, even a few instances where I teased. But some of the stories I hear on bullying today are so much more painful — it seems people have gotten even more cruel. We need to stand up against it.

So, I wrote this poem.

Shall I keep climbing?
No.
So much easier to
throw myself
over the edge.
I’m tired of
trying to fit in.
Tired
of being teased.
On and on and on.
I need to rest
but can’t escape
what chases me in my head.
Someone approaches.
Leave-me-alone-leave-me-alone.
Please. Leave-me-alone.
Let me rest.

But this one smiles, extends a hand.
“You’re not alone.”
I stand, breathe deep and
we begin our climb
together.

 

To read more flash fiction by the Friday Fictioneers, click here.