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Avoiding Conflict

No one needs complications in their life Merely living is a puzzling ordeal, Presenting more than enough strife Or at least that’s how I feel. I try to avoid conflict whenever possible Going out of my way to please, But then, I encounter the implausible Those who cannot be appeased. So, I use the only weapon at my disposal Where I learned it, I do not know, I turn away and walk the other direction When I’ve nowhere else to go. Written September 7, 2022 [a tip of the hat to Mike Gentile, who regularly uses this pattern.]

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 9/8/2022 2:49:00 AM

So many more of these in these times "But then, I encounter the implausible Those who cannot be appeased." - We have to let them flow off our backs like water.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/8/2022 8:36:00 AM

In some cases, we literally have to let them become non-persons to us. Toxic people always have a detrimental effect on us, don't you think?

Tom Cunningham

Date: 9/8/2022 12:30:00 AM

It's the better man that can walk away from conflict but there's a limit. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/8/2022 8:37:00 AM

Absolutely. I think I remember this advice from my mother when I would tell her about being bullied. Even then, it was not always possible to walk away. Sometimes that just meant you'd get hit in the back with a rock or something!

Michael Tor

Date: 9/7/2022 7:46:00 PM

Milton sometimes that is the best response to conflict is walking away. In your Poetry you share great advice. Let us hope it sinks in and is not forgotten. Mike's popular form you have done nicely. Enjoy your evening if your not in bed yet and thank you always for your creativity in writing...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/8/2022 8:38:00 AM

Thanks, Michael. You are always so generous in your compliments, but, sometimes that is something I really need. I appreciate the time you take to comment on my poems.

Jenna Logan

Date: 9/7/2022 5:09:00 PM

Usually, I try to avoid conflict, but cannot ignore it when certain things are written or spoken. Ignoring the issue or walking away, doesn't always remedy the problem. Some, just like to argue for the sake of arguing, and some explanations offered make no sense.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/7/2022 6:08:00 PM

All of what you say is true, Jenna. And, I agree, I cannot walk away in the face of injustice, unfairness, or threats against my life or my country. When I encounter those who like to argue for arguments sake, I generally tune them out. There is no point in giving them a platform. Thanks, Jenna.

Ann Peck

Date: 9/7/2022 1:48:00 PM

I wish I had the presence of mind to do that. I stopped playing bridge because I don't want to hear the yammering. I like that poetry form also. Your poem flows really beautifully.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/7/2022 2:30:00 PM

Well, I 'spect I was writing about an ideal. Most of us don't always walk away. We either endure, say our piece, or stick our foot in our mouth. In any case, I always hope I'll have the sense to walk away!

Ilene Bauer

Date: 9/7/2022 11:43:00 AM

ha! great solution, milton, and a wonderful poem!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/7/2022 12:42:00 PM

Thanks so much, Ilene.

Constance La France

Date: 9/7/2022 10:54:00 AM

Milt, I know exactly what you mean, my dad always told me that the stronger person walks away from a conflict and that is what I do, nor to I say anything to add to a conflict and that is hard sometimes to not have an opinion, but one must consider will having an opinion help or hurt, or make things worst, I like the form pattern used also, peace and tranquility ~

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/7/2022 12:44:00 PM

I couldn't agree more, Constance. I'm afraid sometimes I'm too quick to express my opinion when I would have been better off to say nothing. Hey, none of us are perfect, right? Peace to you, friend.