Even Angels Tread Carefully

Spittle barbs and back-aimed knives 
Do sometimes come my way 
Resilience means I do survive 
So I let critics have their say. 

I really like to live my life 
You may see me as quite calm  
But I’ll warn you of that button  
That makes me lose my charm. 

Knocks and falls, I’ve had a few 
I roar loudest from my knees 
When my inner beast comes out,
Lock the door; and hide the keys. 

It’s normally carefully hidden.
Thank God for inner peace,
My beast protects my loved ones 
Do not dare to loose the leash. 

As for me, it’s pretty clear 
I know my life’s intent 
No need to be so serious
Love myself and be content. 

Only loved ones are important,
I accept, what and who I am 
And you’ll know, if I do love you 
I’m the one that gives a damn.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Chuan Seng Avatar
January 3, 2016 at 7:46 AM
Fine piece of declaration... Knowing who you are.. Strong words of affirmation.. Standing your ground where you are...
Schneiter Avatar
December 29, 2015 at 10:30 AM
Charming and engaging, as well as honest, make this poem a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed every line. Nicely done, Mark.
Laurie Avatar
December 23, 2015 at 4:58 PM
G'day Mark... in a very simple form, I guess if you have a dollar then somebody else will want to take it off you, and these are the people who are in your sights - no point in saying 'well written'; all your poems are well written Mark - Lindsay
Price Avatar
December 19, 2015 at 9:37 PM
It's the way life should be lived
Woods    Avatar
December 20, 2015 at 3:38 AM
Cheers Franklin, I try, and like we all do sometimes I get it wrong.
Godwin Avatar
December 19, 2015 at 10:48 AM
And you'll know your poem touches me when I say it is damn good! A pleasure to read and absorb ... CayCay
Woods    Avatar
December 20, 2015 at 3:36 AM
Thank you dear friend, your support has always been appreciated.
Lindley Avatar
December 15, 2015 at 8:18 PM
We must thank CayCay FOR GETTING YOU TO POST THIS EXCELLENT PIECE! I loves its flow , message and that powerful closing stanza. A7 Adding this to my fav list, to enjoy when read again.
Woods    Avatar
December 17, 2015 at 4:57 PM
Thank you Robert, You've flattered me.
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
December 15, 2015 at 7:21 AM
Mark, i like the title. I like how you shift from hard hitting lines then to mellow ones then rising up again.... the message is delivered wow... =`) Only God can give us true peace... =`)~Olive Eloisa
Woods    Avatar
December 15, 2015 at 11:55 AM
Thank you Olive, I'm going to get back to nature poems again shortly I hope. My thoughts are pushing me in all sorts of alternative directions
Trifiatis Avatar
December 15, 2015 at 7:19 AM
An emphatic declaration of the self and of love clearly stated. Who dares to take the risk after that? Enjoyed the poem , dear Mark!
Woods    Avatar
December 15, 2015 at 11:51 AM
Some have experienced the roar. The best one is when my 11 year old saved for an iPod. It broke due to being faulty within 2 months. Apple weren't going to do a thing. After a 5 month battle I won. The message for my daughter was that I will fight anyone for her until I win.
Jabak Avatar
December 14, 2015 at 9:53 PM
I do agree with your poem. There is a beast inside everyone of us, as well as an angel, to help us survive. "Only loved ones are important" puts us on the right track, I guess. I enjoyed reading every word of the poem. Well-written!
Woods    Avatar
December 15, 2015 at 11:58 AM
Someone once said I wouldn't do well in life as I didn't have enough "mongrel" in me. Funnily enough a mixture of compassion, thoughtfulness and my beast on a leash has worked out alright.
Smith Avatar
December 14, 2015 at 2:42 PM
Excellent piece Mark.
Woods    Avatar
December 14, 2015 at 6:22 PM
Thanks Tim : )
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