The Way is Black

The Way is Black Written: 1/26/12 I stand alone in the middle of the hallway, Everyone is in class. I’m by myself. The way is black. I see some of my school mates just down the hall, I walk towards the boys, call out to them. I’m not heard. I walk closer still and see them more clearly. They’re slamming a younger boy against the lockers repeatedly, They start shouting at him and calling him names. He tries to push them away and puts a hand on one of the older boys. The boy gets enraged and balls his hand into a fist. The way is black. Before the younger boy can defend himself, The older boy socks him in the stomach. The younger one doubles over and the older one slams his elbow Into the boy’s back. The young one falls to the ground and the older boys all begin kicking him, Taking turns and then all just kicking in their own timing. The way is black. I try to run at them, try to scream at them to stop, To leave him alone. A crowd has grown around the boys, All other kids cheering them on. No one hears or sees me. The way is black. I try to push past the crowd, Try to be heard above the catcalls, But no one notices me, no one sees. You see, this little boy lies on the floor, Crying and bleeding alone, As the crowd and boys leave and walk away. You see, nobody ever does anything anymore When they see violence or disrespect... or bullying. Because either they don’t care or they are in on it, Or, mostly found, they’re just afraid of standing up. You see, nobody ever sees anything but hatred, And lust, and deceit. Nobody ever cares about the little guy, All they see is a new punching bag. If you see a fight, I want you to stop it. If you hear about one that might happen, I want it to be prevented. People ask me, “Kayla, what do you want in life?” You know what I say? I say, “I want a world full of love and peace. That’s what I want.” The Way… Is Black.