Schoolyard Cruelties I always hear So many adults Say how innocent And sweet Children are. The exuberance Naiveté Passions Silliness Of youth. Sponges of learning. Schoolboy/girl crushes Giggles and smiles. It's all there for Everyone to see. But I remember too Just how cruel kids Can be too each other. I did it myself so I should know. I saw it everywhere too. Insults. Taunts Exclusions Lies Pranks Manipulations Violence. I saw kids scream And cry And have Untold scars Damage their minds That last a life. It can change who you Are. What you will be. Bullies Teachers Pets Those picked last for "the team" Having the wrong clothes. Wrong address. Turned up noses. Laughter that burns. Love spurned. I was lucky to say I Had a childhood I Wish I could do All over again. But there are so many That feel like they Had theirs Stolen Trampled Denied Not only by Unfit Adults But By Other Children too.