Just a Joke

Just a Joke- poem by Isabel Marsh aged 13

A snide remark you made when I took no notice,

The same question dancing in my brain as I tried to focus.

You see, we can all insult a common trait in each other’s faults,

But when words crash harder than the salt lapping, caressing waves,

Everything halts.

Just a joke they say, turning their heads trying to forget their stupid justification for helping people point out their insecurities,

Now hidden, hats worn, sleeves covered, problems rushing in on this SOS emergency.

The different types are true,

Friends’ one-liners creating a few laughs or afterward unpleasant silences.

No one consoles or holds back their shoulder- raising oppression,

But it was all just a joke as the thick paint dripped down the schools' silverware, crying to herself, feeling stupid.