Anger took me by scruff of neck and shook
me furiously, urging me to scream.
And I let out a whopper, stunning those
who happened by though they were not at fault.
Then, spirit shaken, I calmed down a notch
and shook the evil demon off my back.
Around me, battered bodies proved my crime
though I could not remember harming them.
The power source dis-empowered my heart
and twisted it into a deadly storm.
But I don’t want to be a weather front
barreling through the valleys of my moods.
The question is who will be in control
when I feel rain and wind begin to blow.
Can love insist on hugging me instead
of letting rage distort my spirit so?
For my prompt Poets United Midweek Motif ~ Bullying
My blog poems are rough drafts.
Please respect my copyright.
© 2016 Susan L. Chast
This is an interesting perspective, Susan. I just read the memoir of the mother of one of the two Columbine shooters, who, it is said, were bullied outcasts at school before the shooting. It was a difficult read. I had a friend who was bullied in school and, later, gay bashed. He ended a very sad life by committing suicide. So the effects of bullying are very far-reaching. I tend to think the bullies are as hurting as the victims, for certainly healthy happy people dont feel the need to hurt others. An interesting topic. Instead of Anti-bullying campaigns, I wish each school taught Kindness, and taught kids to understand their fellow students have all the same feelings as they do. Sameness, rather than difference.
ReplyDeleteI do believe in righteous anger, and I think we can hug ourselves despite our rage. But I am not saying we should let our rage get out of control.
ReplyDeletenothing can be more damaging than the spirit being distorted by rage...
ReplyDelete,,,a weather front
ReplyDeletebarreling through the valleys of my moods... what a wonderful line Susan.. love it.
Love can always insist on hugging...trying to calm the hurt, but only for so long. One of hardest things is to accept who we are and accept others for who they are too.
ReplyDeleteSuch passion and precision in your lines Susan, no doubt our souls are often distorted by rage.
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Sanaa
Back for another read and I, too, was struck by the "weather front...barreling through the valley of my moods." Great description.
ReplyDeleteSusan, as someone, who has experience PTSD rage, you can control, when and how, you release this negative energy, in a safe and constructive manner. Throughout painful years of growing up and into adulthood, I have never used alcohol or drugs, as an excuse for my behaviour. In fact, I have avoided them, which turns out, I'm among a minority for doing so. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteThe change of mood, the change of weather, terrific tie in. neither fully predictable or fully controled. But should be embraced and prepared for.
ReplyDeleteRage is our biggest enemy. It's upon us to overpower this rage. Beautiful piece.
ReplyDelete'I don’t want to be a weather front barreling through the valleys of my moods' - particularly resonates in this powerful piece - sometimes we can't control what we do or how we feel - like anything it takes practice..but no matter how many years it takes we have to believe it is possible and give people the chance to change not 'shoot' them down or give up on them..
ReplyDeleteRage is a powerful mistress/master and sometimes we need to look inside ourselves and find the cause of our anger. Tis true anger is often misdirected and we punish others for what we see as failings in ourselves. That said seeking the truth of own situation does not necessarily offer peace.
ReplyDeleteAnna :o]
As I was reading this these two lines really stood out, it is sad when we take out our own frustrations on innocent people.
ReplyDeleteBut I don’t want to be a weather front
barreling through the valleys of my moods.
Powerful writing from a different viewpoint. I have seen what rage does to people who cannot control it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a piercing look within the dark side... well done
ReplyDelete