I heard
the taunts
hurled
like stones
on the playground
and whispered
like a knife
that cuts
straight
to the heart.
I almost said hello,
but
I was
too afraid
and laughed
instead.

I saw her stand
alone
with her lunch
tray,
every seat
saved or filled
to shut her out.
I almost
offered
a hint of a smile,
but
I was
too afraid
and turned
away.

After watching and reading the April poetry challenge by Mary Lee Hahn at A Year of Readingfor the past several years, I decided to write a poem a day this month. Mary Lee is hosting PO-EMotion, with a different emotion for each day of the month. Today’s focus is SHAME. For even more poetry fun throughout April, check out the roundup of poetry celebrations and projects at Jama’s Alphabet Soup.