You May Say I'm a Dreamer, But I'm Not The Only One | Teen Ink

You May Say I'm a Dreamer, But I'm Not The Only One

June 25, 2012
By Anonymous

I have never been in a room with more heartbroken people than I was on March 29th, 2012. Never had I seen so many people forget about how they looked, and just cry. But they weren’t just tears. They represented so much more than sadness. Because on March 28th, 2012, Lennon killed himself.

My OCD says that it’s all in the numbers. That since it was the 28th and two plus eight equals ten, it’s all the fault of the multiple of five. If only things were so simple. See, suicide is already on the most complicated things in the world list. But when bullying is involved, the miniscule understanding we may have had is ripped from the grasps of slippery hands and sprung back into the depths of the unknown.

Bullies aren’t thinking of consequences as they call a chubby kid gross. As they shove a quiet studious girl into her locker. And they’re certainly not thinking clearly as they laugh at the torturous life they’ve given someone. I’d hope that if they were thinking clearly, they would see that while their job is temporary, the damage they do is permanent. Now, just because the victims aren’t holed up in their basements for the rest of their lives does not mean that an effect wasn’t left on them. Extreme damage is often left with the bullied, but it can also take simpler forms. Either way, memories of past incidents, even if they’re ancient, will remain in memories. What the bullies do, say, and engrave into vulnerable minds never leaves.

In every hallway at school, I guarantee there is at least one poster about bullying. I’m currently sitting next to one and staring at one on the other side of the hall. It makes me think, is this all we can do to make a change? Tape up neon posters that go unnoticed besides when they’re offering a place to put our used gum and try out new Sharpies? I feel that the posters will do about as much as a pamphlet or a sticker. An effective solution may actually be cheaper, easier, and take less effort and energy. Isn’t that what we’re all about these days? If we could all just have a little more respect for each other, or even just tolerate differences, there could be more peaceful hallways, and more genuine smiles.


The author's comments:
This piece is inspired by my friend Lennon, who committed suicide three months ago, and was being bullied in school. I hope that when read, this piece can provide motivation for others to live their lives respectfully towards others, and be accepting of differences without resorting to cruel things such as bullying.

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