It’s when you
are alone
that you brace
your soft dukes
stiffen your
spine as your
“friends” depart
The bully
follows you
punches your
jaw ’til it
cracks and breaks
You know it’s
up to you
to see one
more morning
mesmerized
by a sun-
flower field
dancing in
the soft breeze
Your brain works
overtime
to craft some
surprises
notice served
that never
again will
you be pinned
to the ground
with people
watching as
the bully
pummels you
At last you
have a new
way to fight

                                for Ukraine