Cruelty

Cruelty is not
just a starving animal
or an abused child.
Cruelty is a week without food
because “I must be pretty.”
Cruelty is wrapped in every curvature of the word ‘Beautiful.’
Cruelty is a sharp blade cut through ivory skin.
Cruelty is the derogatory look given in the halls
of a remissive school.
Cruelty is not just a dying animal
and a mistreated child.
It is so much more than that.