L Milton Hankins Poet Rhyme

Jealousy Leaves a Bitter Taste

Jealousy leaves a bitter taste in one’s mouth
Like a persimmon plucked before the first frost,
The consequence is sarcastic, mean words spit out
At immeasurable cost.
As for me, yes, I am envious of raw talent I don’t have
But in a positive way, I admire gifts of others glossed,
I believe swallowing jealousy stifles and chokes creativity 
At immeasurable cost.
A person is more content doing what they alone can do
Not measuring it against what someone else has tossed,
For we are all special in our own, uniquely gifted ways
At immeasurable cost.
So, I try to do my very best, developing my paltry skills
I do not concentrate on, but simply enjoy, not accost,
Others who develop and share their God-given talents   
At immeasurable cost.

written March 18, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger March 19, 2022 at 7:24 PM "I believe swallowing jealousy stifles and chokes creativity" - you are onto something big here Hank! L Milton Hankins March 19, 2022 at 7:35 PM I think so. I know you believe this, as well, Caren.

Jeff Kyser March 18, 2022 at 12:06 PM Good comparison: jealousy and the unripe persimmon. We are often jealous of another because we do not pause, reflect, take the time to understand first. My persimmon tree produces the most marvelous fruit, but all in due time. When I want what I see that others have, I covet and am jealous: bitter fruit indeed! L Milton Hankins March 18, 2022 at 12:39 PM Well-stated, Jeff. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment so insightfully and helpfully on my poem. I really appreciated it. OTOH, when we allow our unique talents to develop without the intrusion of jealousy of others, sometimes we excel beyond our wildest expectations. Thanks, Jeff.