Poem

The poem, “Childish”, by Tabitha Houghton-Smith, exemplifies the immaturity of bullying and what detrimental effects it has on its victims. Throughout the poem, the realization that bullying is a denial of one’s expression of themselves; it portrays the looming feeling of rejection and ostracizes those who try to “speak (their) mind”. The author believes that the way to revolt against bullying is to let the “childish games” strengthen and teach one how not to act to others and how to eventually stand up for oneself. It sheds light on the fact that bullying pulls its strength from the appearance of weakness. If a bully was stripped of his/her empowering façade, they would be incapable of achieving the self-gratitude they so desire. The fight against bullying is not physical; the most effective response to unnecessary negative treatment lies within passive resistance and the refusal to react immaturely to a bully’s instigating. A bully’s reasoning for defeating other people’s happiness is due to a lack of their own self-esteem, which develops from mistreatment in the bully’s personal life at home. In a way, many of the lines in this poem symbolize the feelings bullies have towards the negative personalities in their lives, such as: “There are so many things I need to say, but even if could they won’t give me the time of day.” In reality, the best way to prevent bullying is through a positive upbringing. If a child is taught to respect and love their family and, in turn, love themselves, there is a great chance that those qualities will motivate the child to establish healthy, mature relationships with his/her peers.
By: Josh Spielman

http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/teen/poetry.asp?poem=21102