The smell is overwhelming
The others move away
With angry hands and voices
Tell him he can not stay
He is confused and broken
Unsure why he was picked
Sly smiles at edge of vision
Tell him he has been tricked
The child approaches carefree
With a clear unpoisoned mind
Despite no common language
Says his tormentors are unkind
She points up at the street lights
Her eyes are twinkling stars
Her words uncomprehended
Still reach deep into his heart
The ill-will is forgotten
The mother leads the way
Now gentle hands and voices
Tell him that he can stay
To be different is unwelcome
Except through a child’s eyes
Until she too is taught to hate
With bigotry and lies
But he moves quickly onwards
To another hostile town
Where angry hands and voices
Will bring the curtain sadly down
anelephantcant 
Once again, the elephant manages to make me cry. Wonderful poem, and so true. I’m glad you gave me the link.
LikeLike
I am sorry.
And, I suppose, glad too.
Hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t we all strive to make the reader feel what we write? Whether it’s humour, sadness, or horror, you always manage to do that admirably (from what I’ve read so far ;)).
LikeLike
Yes, you are right, of course.
But when a lady cries, AnElephant feels bad.
And thank you for your kind words, it is nice to connect to someone, to know that our words reach and touch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic stuff! I’m so impressed!
LikeLike
a powerful poem here
LikeLike
A wonderfully written poem on a very troubling topic, so full of emotion. Very well done! 🙂
LikeLike
I agree with Alastair! Brilliant! A haunting poem with a strong message. Thank you, Penny
LikeLike
It is unfortunate that bullies are everywhere and will pick on anybody no matter what. Usually because of their own insecurities or … I was going to say something very derogatory but I won’t.
AnElephant has written a brilliant poem here though
LikeLike