I wrote this poem when I was conducting an anti-bullying programme at a primary school. It tuned me into the situation of those kids in every school who are outcasts among their schoolmates because of social disadvantage. I think there is something in every child that wants to be normal and accepted and smells out difference and rejects it. We must teach our kids not to reject the kids the majority rejects. They are all wonderful, precious human beings.
OUTCAST BOY
Out-of-fashion shoes
Greasy at the collar
Tense around the neck
Jumpy at a banging noise
Hasn’t any toys
Clothes are nearly worn out
Sits by himself
Can’t catch a ball
Doesn’t know his alphabet
Fights because he’s teased
Losing shouts “Who cares”
Who cares?
Who cares?
Who cares?
Who cares?