August Challenge 2

Hello beautiful poets and poem lovers. How've we all been? I've been busy as of late, but still tried to keep up with the community when I can. Before we dive into this challenge, let me give a shoutout to participants of challenge one. @oyebolu @happy080 @owasco @saltycat y'all are the real OGs! Thanks for your active participation.

For this challenge, we'll be diving into “The Bully”

Prompt: “The Bully”

Image generated using AI

Bullies aren’t always on the playground. They can be classmates, coworkers, strangers, or even the voice in our own heads. For this prompt, write about the bully in whatever form it takes.

• Who or what was the bully? A person, a system, a memory, or an inner critic?
• How did they show their power? Through words, silence, fists, or manipulation?
• How did it feel? Fear, anger, shame, defiance, or something else entirely?
• What came of it? Did you shrink, stand tall, fight back, or learn to walk away?

Bonus challenge: Write from both perspectives: the bullied and the bully; blurring the lines between strength, weakness, hurt, and control.

Let your words confront cruelty and expose its weight, but also reveal resilience, survival, and the stories that remain long after the moment has passed.

Submit your entry in the comment.