Zealotic or Zesty?

 Zealotic as I used to live,

Though given often to misgive –

I’d hang with those

Who’d turn the nose,

But long would dawdle to forgive.

Bare truth can be a hazard deep,

As from compassion it can keep.

We may be right,

But wrongly bite,

If facts unchecked are all we heap.

I hope at last to hold my zeal,

And yet to sail more even keel.

A balance shift

Could be a gift,

If to the heart it does appeal.

c2018 by Linda Ann Nickerson

Image:

Theme art – adapted from public domain image

Still from The Dark Past, 1948

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Yesterday’s Yummies

When lured into lunch in a crunch,

It’s better to follow your hunch.

Don’t give in and toss out a punch,

Or one might get her shorts in a bunch.

I met a friend, long overdue,

To share a bite or three or two.

The conversation took a turn.

(You’d be surprised what one can learn.)

The fishing started with hors d'oeuvres

And quickly grated on my nerves.

She trawled, but I refused the bait.

I pushed the food ‘round on my plate.

Undaunted and without regret,

Back trolling, she did dump her net.

She popped and bobbed, as if for sport.

This chum of old, I failed to thwart.

The waitress brought the check at last.

I lured my angling friend out fast.

The lunch was tasty. We went Dutch.

The conversation? Not so much.

c2018 by Linda Ann Nickerson

Image:

Theme art – adapted from public domain image

Still from The Women, 1939

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Xcuse Me (When gym rats fall flat)

He loiters ‘round there at the gym,

And most of us steer clear of him.

I do not even know his name,

But I could tell you of his game.

He wanders idly by each set.

I’ve never seen him break a sweat.

He greets the ladies with a gawk

And stops beside them, making talk.

Today, this fellow crossed the line.

I know I didn’t give him a sign.

He blocked my path and grabbed my arm.

I guess he thought he brimmed with charm.

This move was random, not so wise,

For I go there to exercise.

Not interested in repartee,

I simply went along my way.

Tomorrow he’ll approach one more,

But who such tactics would fall for?

Mere common courtesy dictates:

Leave us alone. Go lift some weights.

c2018 by Linda Ann Nickerson

Image:

Theme art – adapted from public domain image

Still from Chained, 1934

Feel free to follow on Google Plus and Twitter. Please visit my Amazon author page as well.