Here's a poem we used to use with kids in our bullyproofing program.  We stopped using it, because on it's own it puts way too much onus on the target (I don't use the word victim) of bullying to transform the situation.  As I said before, it takes adults, bystanders standing up as well.  Still I think there is some value here... perhaps really more for adults.  My cousin Arthur Kanegis created this .  We created cartoon characters for each of the animals.  Also a puppet play- Legend of the Bullyproof Shield.  

 

: Bob Kanegis (bob@storyconnection.com)


 
Breakout Bear says: Break away from the current fray,
     When tempers cool, then make your play.
Why ram right through the middle?
    Try an end-run to solve your riddle.


 

Understanding Unicorn Understand what makes a bully tick.
     Your brain is better than a big ol' stick.
                says: Understand that inside the bully
     are fears and hopes you don't know fully.

   
 

Listening Lynx says: Listen with your heart, as well as your ears,
     Behind loud anger, hear doubts and fears.
When little things don't get heard,
    They build 'n build 'til it gets absurd!


 

Loving Lion says: Love the doer, but not the deed,
     Look for the good, the inner seed.
All are born with a seed of genius,
    A buried core, free of meanness.


 

Yin Yang Yak says: Yes and no, boy and girl,
     Balance inside us in a Yin Yang whirl.
Opportunity springs from crisis,
    Opposites: they energize us.


 

Picturing Porpoise Picture your own happy ending.
     Play a game of pretending:
             says: Everything begins with thought.
    Create a vision of the way things ought.


 

Respectful Raven says: Respect the bully, yourself and Mother Earth,
     In each of these you'll find great worth.
We all need love and recognition--
    Power from above--that's ammunition.
    Now our shield can turn it back!

 

Original Otter says: Originate a win-win way.
     Don't make a loser or we'll all pay.
Step outside old, dull solutions,
    Create bright love revolutions!


 

Overseeing Owl says: Oversee the chaotic fray,
     from a wider vision, a wiser way:
Rise above wrong or right,
    Wield the power of a higher sight.


 

Fearless Fox says: Fearless, strong, way aboveboard,
     Stand tall, heroic, without weapon or sword.
We know that fear attracts attack,                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Now our shield can turn it back."