All Nonfiction
- Bullying
- Books
- Academic
- Author Interviews
- Celebrity interviews
- College Articles
- College Essays
- Educator of the Year
- Heroes
- Interviews
- Memoir
- Personal Experience
- Sports
- Travel & Culture
All Opinions
- Bullying
- Current Events / Politics
- Discrimination
- Drugs / Alcohol / Smoking
- Entertainment / Celebrities
- Environment
- Love / Relationships
- Movies / Music / TV
- Pop Culture / Trends
- School / College
- Social Issues / Civics
- Spirituality / Religion
- Sports / Hobbies
All Hot Topics
- Bullying
- Community Service
- Environment
- Health
- Letters to the Editor
- Pride & Prejudice
- What Matters
- Back
Summer Guide
- Program Links
- Program Reviews
- Back
College Guide
- College Links
- College Reviews
- College Essays
- College Articles
- Back
Stricken
Strike one.
The light in the child's eyes
Diminished to a dull glow.
His rosy cheeks, streaked with tears,
Are two shades brighter than before.
"Stop that crying, boy,"
Yells a man he once called Dad.
Strike two.
A cry escapes the boy's throat
As old bruises get darker.
He closes his eyes and prays,
Wishing for a life of laughter.
"Help me, Mommy."
She's smiling with her arm raised.
Strike three.
They called him a bad child,
But he did everything they asked.
Betrayal stole his childhood.
"You know what they say,"
Youth whispers to him.
"Three strikes and you're out."
Similar Articles
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
This article has 7 comments.