Ju Jitsu
Is the use of the others’ strength
Against themselves
The triumph of the weak
Against the strong
Through strategy.
When we met, you seemed so strong.
A martial arts expert!
Where I would cower if threatened
You’d warn “ju Jitsu!”, strike a pose
And watch the bullies wither.
As time went by
And as our friendship deepened
I learned about your battles
The ones that made
The ones at school
Seem nothing.
The stepdad who would throw you against walls,
The mum who’d starve you
Tell you just how little
You were worth to her.
And soon you turned your fight against yourself.
I tried to help
I couldn’t.
Ju Jitsu
Is the use of the others’ strength
Against themselves.
I wish that it had worked
For you.
Tom Juniper Poetry 