Banter

You say, ‘It’s only banter’ mate when you make me look a fool.

You say, ‘It’s only ‘banter’ so it doesn’t seem so cruel.

You say, ‘It’s only banter mate’ when you call me Jew.

You say, ‘it’s only banter but what can I call you?

You say ‘It’s only banter mate’ to put me in my place.

But all this precious, ‘banter mate’ is just so you - do not lose face.

And if I show my feelings, I’m just another bleeding heart,

I become another easy target for you to take apart.

When you say ‘It’s only banter mate,” it’s code for ‘don’t complain,’

So you can keep me weak and then you start again.

But every time I find the strength to smile and walk away

I get to hold my head up higher and ignore those words you say

And I know I want no part of you - or your class of fools

Who need put-downs and smart remarks just to help you rule.

So though the ‘banter’ often hurts, I won’t retaliate

I choose not to add more ‘banter’ to those words of hate.

And you might take your time to wonder ‘mate’ and maybe think on this,

When once again the path you choose, is just to take the piss.

When you look into the mirror ‘mate’, on the toilet wall.

Take a closer look, next time you make the banter call

And perhaps for once, you just might, change your point of view.

When you see your ‘Banter Mate’, looking back at you.