ABC Wednesday had us up to the letter “M,” while Three Word Wednesday‘s words were: Evident, Illusion, and Tragic. Here is an example of why we must always remember to tell our girls they are worthy and wonderful – and our boys, too. Amy
Megan’s Mind
Her illusion was her reality
That they stared at her in school
That every zit was a tragic flaw
That her muffin-top was the subject of gossip
She had never been kissed (not even at summer camp)
Mirrors served as evidence, judge, and jury:
She was a blight, a sight unworthy of the world
But she had no real friend to share the verdict with
The school was abuzz Monday morning
Why did Megan hang herself Saturday night?
© 2010 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Sharp Little Pencil 
vivinfrance
Like is not quite the word! Admire your strong writing, and willingness to show us such an important but distressing story.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks for that recognition, Viv. Amy
Roger Green
OK, NOT uplifting stuff, but credible, unfortunately.
Sharp Little Pencil
You have such a strong sense of irony, Roger, and I love it. You’re 100% right. A
pmwanken
Amy ~
It’s so sad that this is the true story of too many.
Well told.
~ Paula
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks so much, Paula. And yes, too many.
Gloria
Through the blur of tears I thank you for writing this. Too many of our children are lost this way, a tragedy beyond understanding. You’ve done an excellent job with this crucially important topic. Bravo!
Sherry Blue Sky
Oh, so sad.
Altonian
Oh, Amy, what a tragic tale, but it reflects the truth of what happens so often these days. We have always tried to give our children, and grandchildren, a sensible sense of their self-worth – zits and all, and it has paid off. But so many kids are bombarded with cosmetic adverts; peer pressures; the evil advertising industry’s constant harrassment; the sick influences of (unknown!) ‘celebrities’ extolling their ideas of beauty and perfection, it becomes very hard for them to decide what’s best, and what isn’t. And, of course, some parents do not set very good examples, or give good advice.
Sharp Little Pencil
Leigh, thank you for this thoughtful comment. I remember seeing some of my daughter’s friends “sucking it in” at age 9, drinking SlimFast for lunch… I’m so grateful my girl knows her worth, her inner beauty as well as the outer stuff (which is only granted by God anyway). Character is so much more important; self-esteem should be on every parent’s agenda right along with grades, sports, and the rest. Problem is, there are indeed some very bad examples of parents… as well as undiagnosed mental illness in parents and/or in their children. We all need to pay attention to “our village,” to compliment kids when they do something right. I’m glad your family is this aware of the dangers. Too bad for the Megans of the world that they often go unnoticed. Thanks, and bless you, Amy
Debbie
Thank you Amy for such authentic poems. You are a voice for those who are hurting. Blessings!
Sharp Little Pencil
Debbie, we are all hurting in some way, but thank God most of us don’t experience the isolation of this young woman. Thanks.
Laurie Kolp
A well-versed tragedy…
Jae Rose
And finally they talk about dear Megan – and admit they know her name..I hope we all find some sense of being wonderful at some stage..although at times it does feel as if the jurors of the lunchroom persist into adulthood…Jae
Sharp Little Pencil
Good comment, Jae. That’s because some kids never grow out of their cruel stages, huh? Usually they become politicians.
christine
Oh you made me shudder on that last line, so sad, so true with how people are feeling out there. I think I will go hug my teenage daughter and ask her how her day is going, and when the boy comes home from work, hug him even harder. You make me think all the time with that sharp little pencil of yours.
Sharp Little Pencil
If any of my poems causes one parent to hug their kids harder, this whole blog thing is worth it. And that’s the gospel truth. Thanks, C. Amy
M.A.S
I really like the detail- such as “She had never been kissed (not even at summer camp).”
I feel like maybe something is missing between the last two stanzas. The ending seems to come abruptly, but maybe that mirroring of reality is exactly your point.
Sharp Little Pencil
You hit it on the head, there, Michael. Her ending was abrupt, and then the gossip is all that’s left…
Alice Audrey
Sad when a teenager goes unchecked like that. She became gossip because of her fears of gossip.
I also gave three words a try
Madeleine Begun Kane
Wow! Excellent, albeit tragic.
Linda Jacobs
I teach high school and can’t tell you how many kids are made fun of or ignored. It was bad when I was in high school back in the 60s but it’s so much worse now-a-days. I hope you don’t mind if I use this poem for my poem-of-the-day with my kids. Powerful!
Sharp Little Pencil
Hey, I was on a cane in high school (juv. arthritis), so imagine the “crip” comments, etc. Kids are brutal. I’m so glad I saw the bigger picture, despite the fact my folks denied me therapy, which was suggested by a school counselor who could tell I was deeply depressed. Thanks for being a teacher! You are a hero!! And yes, of course, use any and all of my writings… anything that will help kids get through. If you page back, you may find more, and you have my blanket permission – just credit me (Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil) and give it the copyright “bug” if you reproduce it, OK? Thanks so much. Amy
Tilly Bud
We need an appreciate button instead of like.
Strong stuff and sadder for being true.
Sharp Little Pencil
Linda, you really felt this along with me. Bless you for that. Amy
uponthewingsofnight
A really powerful poem that hit home with me, Amy. As you know, I have heard the call of the suicide sirens many times before. Also, I had many instances in high school where I felt like I was alone, no one to talk to and understand what I was going through. For girls, it’s even worse. I hope that this current focus on bullying in our society continues to the point where it is eliminated. Brett