I was only joking!

By Rhiannonw

Fri, 25 Aug 2023
  • 884 reads
12 comments
 

They thought it fun
when they began
to trick or tease
but someone was hurt,
and anger burst
upset, not pleased
annoyed
felt mocked, and shocked
exploded
fun imploded, backfired.

Do you know your victim well – a friend?
Will they understand what you intend?
Don’t play with fire
on vulnerable emotions.

[IP: MIschief]

Certificate U
Poem
Miscellaneous
Philosophy
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

I hate when people exploit others with abuse for fun, it's not clever and can cause so much pain in the victims life. 

I've seen first hand that a victim can be taken down so low, that they end their life. This makes me sick to my stomach for those poor sufferers.

I was at the hands of abuse when in school, being threatened and shamed is not funny at all.

Writing a poem is the best way to bring it to light. Well done Rhiannon.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thoughtfully said, Jenny. Even in small 'jokes' like 'trick and treating' and 'practical jokes' there can be a lack of sensitivity and foolishness and lead to hurt or anger. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Turlough on

We need to be careful what we say. We can all be victims. That sticks and stones saying just isn't true.

Turlough

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you. Also some have short fuses, and they shouldn't be provoked. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

Very true Rhiannon - well said!

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you! It had been playing on my mind all week! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by marandina on

"... felt mocked, and shocked

exploded.."

 

There's a fine line between humour and bullying. It can be precarious to navigate so maybe best not to even undertake the journey. 

 

A thoughtful, meaningful poem, Rhiannon. Paul 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, and of course, sometimes someone really doesn't realise that their sense of humour isn't shared or understood, and it's not 'just fun' to the other person, but upsetting or confusing or hurtful. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

Very true. And there are so many different ways of hurt happening. An off the cuff remark can lodge in the recipient for the rest of their lives, like a splinter. And sometimes insecurity causes a group to "other" one of its members which can heal over by the next day, like footprints on the beach, or become more and more entrenched till that person feels completely isolated and no amount of talking can comfort them, but sharing in laughter would

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Yes, thanks, we do so need to be sensitive and reaching out to any who seem hurt. It's good to have humour, but no need to take risks like this. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

Practical jokes can often lead to terrible accidents and then it's not so funny anymore. At best they humiliate someone. In my experience pranksters are usually not too bright.

Keep well! Tom

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Well said, Tom. Rhiannon