by Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet

I Would Be Angry, but…


Old Chinese proverb: “Better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness.”

A traditional oil lamp, Photo by Prateek Gautam from Unsplash.

I Would Be Angry, but…

I would be angry, but…

those who are disagreeable

are acting out of their own frustrations

and unfortunate situations.

I would be angry, but

those who provide poor service

are acting out of their own incompetence

and may be doing their best.

I would be angry, but

those who execute unfair policies

are following orders from above

and live in fear of losing their jobs.

I would be angry, but

those who impose their beliefs on others

are misguided and unenlightened,

limited by their narrow view of the world.

I would be angry, but

those who take unfair advantage of others

are acting out of their own moral poverty,

likely to be hated and feared by others.

I would be angry, but

I myself am far from perfect.

I make mistakes that may anger others.

I too, am in need of understanding.

I would be angry, but

anger clouds my judgement,

diverts my attention and energy…

Better to calmly take considered action.

Copyright© 2021 by Cheryl Batavia

79 Comments

  1. “Anybody can become angry – that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way – that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy.”
    — Aristotle
    A truly thougtful and forthright poem Cheryl, and this stanz is very appropriate for today’s Afghana situation ..
    “I would be angry, but
    those who impose their beliefs on others
    are misguided and unenlightened,
    limited by their narrow view of the world.”

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  3. so profoundly wise Cheryl, this has to be my favourite so far!

    Much understanding and patience is needed coz nobody is free of anger; everyone is bewildered and burnt out from the pandemic; we are all truly doing our best …

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. I am happy that you like the poem, Kate. I agree with you that there are many things in our times which have the potential to make us angry. Not only do we have to deal with all these disasters, but we also have to deal with the anger we feel. Yes, I believe that we are all doing our best, and it’s not easy!

      Thank you so much for your kind words! Enjoy your weekend! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Preeths, thank you so much for your kind words. It makes me happy that you like the poem. These days, there are so many disasters happening that can make us angry. It takes a lot of effort to focus on solutions.

      We are checking the boxes on our to-do list and preparing for Robert’s cataract surgery on 8/30. It’s pretty hectic, but we are OK. I hope you and your family are also doing well. ❤ ❤ ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Shweta, for your thoughtful comment. We are definitely on the same page. Sometimes it is best to ignore. Other times, action is called for. Not getting angry allows us to “analyze the situation” and “understand why people act so” and then we can make an appropriate response. ❤ Have a lovely weekend!

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  7. Anger is a very useful emotion if we can use it to find out what truth of our own is it pointing to – it just changes what role we can play in the dynamic in ways it works for us.

    I have shared your views of not being angry, and giving the other the benefit of how it might be for them – much to the annoyance often of people around me who wanted company in their frustration and anger towards some others :)))

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Yes, we all become angry. If we didn’t, we would become doormats. It is how we handle our emotions that determines how effective and appropriate our actions will be.

      Too funny that people around you were annoyed by your giving someone the benefit of the doubt! 🙂 They may have been the ones who vented their anger, did nothing to correct the problem, and carried a grudge afterward.

      Thank you, Pragalba for sharing your perspective. Have a pleasant weekend! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Punam, for your thoughtful and amusing comment! <3. So glad you enjoyed the poem.

      As much as I might appreciate being quoted sometimes, I don't think that would be one of those times. LOL If you do quote this, please let me remain anonymous! ❤

      Have a beautiful weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. Thank you for this reminder to look deeper into what others might be going through. I don’t get angry often, but I do get annoyed and irritated, which are like mild forms of anger. I hope when that happens, I can remember to be kind.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you, for sharing your thoughts, JoAnna. I have a feeling that you are always kind, even when annoyed. ❤ Remaining calm and deciding on an appropriate response is more productive than an angry retort. I have become slower to anger as I have grown older, but there is always room for improvement. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  17. Thank you Cheryl for your wonderful and beautiful poem. You have a great talent that I admire every time.
    Cheryl, I’d like to write an interesting quote about this:
    “Five great enemies of peace reside within us: namely, greed, ambition, envy, anger, and pride. If these enemies could be driven away, we would undoubtedly enjoy eternal peace.”
    Francesco Petrarca (1304-1374)
    Cheryl, I wish you a nice weekend! 🌸🌸
    Rosie

    Liked by 4 people

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  18. what a wonderful poem Cheryl that speaks to the heart of anger. You’re better than me as I fume sometimes at the injustices and incompetencies and in justice in our world but like you so astutely said “we should consider that source” and heal deeper aspects of ourselves. Nicely done Cheryl!💖💖💖

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. I share your frustrations, Cindy. For the last few years, though I am not normally a person who holds onto anger, I have struggled with anger over the very type of issues you mention. There has been a lot to be angry about!!!!!!

      For my own mental health, I have had to acknowledge that many of the things that were making me angry were beyond my control. I decided to do whatever small things I could and try to let go of the rest. Sometimes I succeed, and this has brought me a degree of peace.

      I am glad you like the poem, and I appreciate your kind response. I find you to be a very positive person who encourages others and brings joy into many lives. If you are angry about injustice, violence, and unnecessary suffering and death, it is because you care. ❤ Have a peaceful and relaxing week ahead. 🙂 🙂 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. You’re so right to let go of all of it the best you can as we both do Cheryl. One thing that is helping me is to tune out in a way. Whether I’m angry and hem and haw, my life still goes on whether I know what’s going on or I don’t and with so much I have little control of I don’t want to waste my precious moments on things I can’t change.

        I love you poem and I appreciate the kindred spirit we share and your appreciation as well!
        P.s. I wonder what happened to Pankanzy!💖💖

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you so much, Narayan, for your kind response. It means a lot to me that you like the poem. ❤ Due to Robert's medical appointments related to his upcoming cataract surgeries, I may still be absent some of the time.

      Take care, Naryan. Be happy and stay safe 🙂

      Like

      Reply

    1. Veena, thank you for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts. ❤ Anger is a natural emotion we all share and it definitely serves a purpose. Sometimes, we need to let people know that they have overstepped their bounds. It is when we allow anger to take over and prevent us from focusing on solutions that it becomes our enemy. 🙂

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