Not all bullies shout and punch

Anti bullying week is 16-20th November 2020. This year, many are tired and stressed from living and working through this pandemic. In the workplace and at home, this is resulting in some behaviours which are less than ideal, with tempers being short and tolerance levels lower than usual. It is worth remembering that there are more discrete behaviours such as undermining and constant criticism that take their toll and need nipping in the bud too. 

Not all bullies shout and punch

Smiling eyes,

Belied only by an almost imperceptible 

Flinch at the corner.

 

Twittering jollity;

A false levity studded with veiled barbs 

That effortlessly wound.

 

Sycophantic niceties;

Their thick sugar coat fails to disguise

The venom concealed.

 

I shrink. 

Deflated, disappointed, disheartened, dejected. 

I retreat to heal;

Until we meet again. 

 

October 2020