To all the kids that are bullied because of the way they are
Stand up.
Sit down.
Raise your hand, if you want to speak.
Listen to the rules.
Don’t have an argument with me.
I’m right. Always. Why? Cause I am.
Always talk nice.
Don’t raise your voice.
Don’t show your feelings.
Smile.
Sure, you can be different.
But only in a way it suits us.
Yes, you can be our friend.
But you must do what we say.
You don’t want to?
You have to.
Don’t speak to her.
We know better who can be your friends.
Don’t speak to him.
We know better who you want to speak to.
Sure, you can be different.
But only in a way it suits us.
Study. More. More. More.
You’re tired?
We don’t care.
You need to get good grades.
You can’t be successful without those grades.
But don’t be too good.
It’s annoying when you’re better than us.
What’s that you’re wearing?
Get it off.
We will tell you what to wear.
Sure, you can be different.
But only in a way it suits us.
You want to have short hair?
Are you kidding?
You’re a girl!
Girls don’t have short hair.
You want to have long hair?
Are you a man or what?
You’ll look like a woman!
Nobody will like you!
Put makeup on.
You’re ugly without makeup.
Hide those scars.
Those birthmarks.
You must be beautiful.
Sure, you can be different.
But only in a way it suits us.
No, you can’t do it your way.
Do as we say, or society won’t accept you.
But what if I’m strong enough to be myself? What if I’m strong enough to be different the way I want to be?
Olga Phaedra Pouppis is a 14-year-old girl who was born in Moscow, Russia and who lives in Limassol, Cyprus with her family and dog. She likes nature, chocolate, and Harry Potter. In her free time between her lessons and studies, she is usually reading or resting by the sea or doing both at once. When she grows up she wants to become a journalist, writer and activist.
