I saw you

After many years

Stomach protruding

Too many beers?

Hedonism, Age 

Have not been kind

Fine features distorted

Youth left behind 

I recall

Your cruel jibes

Ugly, fatso

Four eyes

You were Mr Popular

Others followed your lead

Callous behaviour

An unwritten creed 

I was subjected

To your verbal whim

Quiet, shy, awkward

The perfect victim

Budding womanhood

Invited unjustified scorn

Damaged my fragile pysche

Left it shattered, forlorn 

I do not bear ill will

Experience made me strong

Learned hard lessons

Treasured lifelong

Slowly realigned

Broken pieces into place

Discovered sparkling facets

Compassion, empathy, grace

By Margaret Karim

From: United Kingdom