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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Just Joy

I’ll here admit it: Life is tough.

Some days I think I’ve had enough.

Although I know it’s all been planned.

It’s hard to get the upper hand.

When circumstance goes ‘gainst the grain,

And daily drudgery does drain,

I hearken back, which takes a choice,

To listen to another voice.

 Ridiculous as it may sound,

Truth is, the downcast will be crowned.

When wrong’s removed and right is raised,

I know who will be ever praised.

Today is hard. There is no doubt.

I’m tempted to prolong my pout.

But I will hold my ground, prevail.

For happiness to joy does pale.

c2018 by Linda Ann Nickerson

Image:

Theme art – adapted from public domain image

Still from Cleopatra, 1917

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Tea It Up and Take a Shot

Tea It Up and Take a Shot

Sometimes a chip lands in the drink

And sends us nearly past the brink.

We sip and spar,

And dream sub-par,

For nothing’s ever what we think.

It’s not that we’d improve a lie.

But some brews still a tongue may tie.

And roles reversed

Are unrehearsed;

We have to swing to qualify.

Forgive the metaphors I mix.

The game is rigged. There’s no quick fix.

Simplicity’s

No cup of tea.

And poets break the rules for kicks.

Alas, the tempest swirls the pot.

We’re in the rough. Give all you’ve got.

Go get a grip

And take a sip.

Another round brings food for thought. 

c2018 by Linda Ann Nickerson

Image:

Adapted by this user from vintage artwork.

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