This poem portrays the inner collapse of
self-worth caused by bullying—
not through visible violence alone, but
through neglect, misunderstanding, and silence.
It traces how isolation becomes
internalized,
and how fear comes to define a world
once shared with others.
Self-Absorbed
I felt unseen by anyone.
In this world, I was nobody.
I felt understood by no one.
Words became useless in this world.
I felt needed by no one.
I was utterly alone in this world.
I felt shunned by everyone.
In this world, I was never taken seriously.
I opened my heart to no one.
In this world, I lived a borrowed life.
I had no relationships with anyone.
My existence was not permitted in this
world.
I was self-absorbed.
I convinced myself of these things.
I resented being ignored.
I carried my troubles alone.
I retreated into my own shell.
I failed to notice the confusion of those
around me.
I was self-absorbed.
I hated myself for being unable to be
honest.
I could not understand why I kept my heart
closed.
I was afraid to expose my weakness.
And so, I could only deny my own existence.
Self-absorbed, with my self-esteem stripped
away,
I was left alone in the world.
The world became nothing but fear.
(The loss of self-esteem and the suffering
of self-denial caused by bullying
are beyond imagination.)