It Started As A Joke

It started as a joke
I just called him a name
I really didn't think
That it would cause him pain.

It started as a joke
I just gave him a little push
I really didn't think
That it would all get too much.

It started as a joke
I just knocked over his drink
I really didn't stop
Just to think.

It started as a joke
I just put gum in his hair
I really didn't think
He'd feel like no one cared.

It started as a joke
I just ripped up his work
I really didn't think
He'd feel like dirt.

It started as a joke
I just laughed when he fell
I really didn't know
How he felt-I just couldn't tell.

It started as a joke
I just threw eggs at him
I really didn't think
That this was a sin.

It started as a joke
I just laughed when he struggled with life
I really didn't think
My actions would cause so much strife.

It started as a joke
But I made him cry
I really didn't think
To life he'd say goodbye.

It started as a joke
But he's been missing for days
I really didn't think
I'd make him go away.

It started as a joke
But now I'm starting to worry
I really didn't think
I'd cause so much fury.

I went over to his house
To see just where he went
His mother answered the door
Her face shriveled and bent.

I asked where he was
And her face twisted with pain
'He died last week' she whispered
I gasped-why did I play this game?

She hands me a note to read
And I unfold the page
I want to break down and cry
But I'm overcome with rage.

I begin to read this letter
And as I do so my heart shatters
How could I have done this?
Act like his life didn't matter?

Here's what the letter said:

He hit me-he pushed me
He yanked my hair
He spit on me, he laughed
And told me no one cared.
He humiliated me in shame
Found pleasure in my pain
He played this stupid game
While my life filled with rain.
He made me hurt
And he made me cry
He made me sob so hard
Made me feel like I want to die.
He beat me and teased me
laughed at me-Just couldn't let me be.
He made me broken
I was once so strong
Now I'm overcome with emotion.
He made me feel like I was bad
and when I hurt he was glad.
He took my happiness away
So I'm going now on this tear filled day.

Mum,
I must go from this place
I can't be here any longer
I can't cope anymore
I'm sorry if you thought I was stronger.

Please don't cry for me once I am gone
One day we will be reunited as one.

Please don't let a single tear
roll down your cheek
My last final wish
is that you will not weep.

Tell my siblings that I love them
Tell my friends not to hurt
I just can't take it anymore
being treated like dirt.

Always remember how much I love you
Promise me that you wont feel blue
No more will I cry
And now I'll say goodbye.

As I hand the note back to his mum
I realize tears are pouring down my face
I can't believe that he is gone
How can this be the case?

Slowly I walk away
I have no idea what to say
My heart is torn apart
I wish I could go back to the start.

He no longer lives
He ended his life because of me
I really didn't think this would happen
Why didn't I see?

My amusement caused him so much pain
Why oh why did I play this game?

Why did I cause him to suffer?
Now his siblings are without a brother.
His parents are missing a son
How could I think this was fun?

His family are overcome with grief
In sadness they choke
Isn't it funny how this
All started as a joke?

**I Have Never, And Never Will Participate In Bullying. I Think It Is Appalling And I Dislike Anyone That Joins In With It.**
**I Didn't Know If This Should Go In Death, Sadness Or Friendship, So I Placed It Here.**