The Problem with Anger

 

transcription of image: the problem with anger by charl landsberg

let the steam out bit by bit

anger is like a pressure pot

it can do so many wonderful things

cook food, cut steel, slay enemies, the lot

but seal it up and never let it out

boom - rain like red sleet

friends and foes and strangers alike

scattered about your naked feet

Originally published 29 March 2021

-o0o-

Phoenix

Kiss me, hitherto forgotten anger,

that sits like a pike in the heart,

waiting to bloom.

Come to the furnace, little ones.

Let me show you how to bathe,

let me show you how fire consumes.

Will you be reborn with me?

...or crumble beneath my fury?

I would wait for you,

but the sun rises,

and the day won't wait for you.

The shadows are long,

and I have other pyres to build.

-o0o-

Tools of the Trade

I distinguish myself from my enemies

by the tools they use

hatred, violence, abuse

no matter what reasons they give

what rhyme, what ruse

I know my enemies by the tools they use

so regardless of who you think you are

what you say, what you think

whether king of the hill

or living on the brink

if act in ways abhorrently

I consider you my enemy

-o0o-

Ember

the hand of burnt regret

clutches tight to the coal

that they'd never forget

and pursue their one goal

embers like anthracite

lit up their path

and promised to ignite

their anger and wrath

this is no mere gripe

that kindles their fury

as vendettas grow ripe

to play judge and jury

beware of the soul

with a coal in it's fist

they're never made whole

as they'll cease to exist

to let go of that rage

is a life doomed to fade

an unfinished page

a debt left unpaid

-o0o-

Calm Waters

you're playing a dangerous game

if you think I'm something you can tame

just because I've a broad, bright smile

and been so placid all the while

my patience undeniable

you think I'm soft and pliable

you prod and poke at every bruise

cutting short at temper's fuze

be warned small child

and have no doubt

I'll chew you up

and spit you out

-o0o-

When the anger dies

the anger goes, as it does
and I'm left with one question
Who's side are you on?
and I guess after that
I'll see if my anger was warranted
in the mean time
I'll wait
with my question
pulp in my mouth
and my anger sitting in the corner
and my hurt back in the closet

-o0o-