Where humans can't leave and mustn't complain,
There some will emerge who enjoy giving pain.
A dreary intense groove leads them to each one
they pick to torment, and the rest will then shun.
Some who might have been picked, and natural police,
do routine hurt, the catcalling, the giving-no-peace,
but dull brilliance evolves the betrayals and names
that sear dignity and life like interior flames.
Whole circles get enlisted, and blood loyalties reversed
by self-avengers and failures-getting-in-first
but this is the eye of fashion. Its sniggering stare
breeds silenced accomplices. Courage proves rare.
This powers revolution; this draws flies to sad pools;
this is the true curriculum of schools.
Les Murray
Bullying Book