Notes About The Poem

Submitted on 02/15/2025 for...

Writing Prompts 16 Lines Or Less Poetry Contest, Sponsor - Miranda Hawley. Date originally written: 12/21/2021

Let Bygones Be Bygones - POTD

     
   My friend, put a pause on throwing punches.
    There's no use holding on to petty grudges. 
   It's much easier to breathe with feuds ended.
     Always accept an olive branch, if extended.

      It doesn't matter the cause of dissension;
      Douse the scorching flame of contention. 
        Forget who threw the poison dart first. 
        Avoid fueling the fire with an outburst.

 Give who wronged you chance to make amends. 
   No sir,  you two don't have to become friends. 
      Don't worry yourself with friendship plans. 
    You don't even have to meet or shake hands.

   Toss your ego aside and be the bigger person; 
     Resolve brewing hostilities lest they worsen 
       And simply just let bygones be bygones.
       They are only pros to doing so, no cons.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

12
Crandall Avatar
July 22, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Good philosophy - sometimes it's so hard to toss aside that ego!
Ibeh Avatar
July 23, 2026 at 4:54 AM
Thanks so much for dropping by, David:-). Blessings...
Nicholsen Avatar
January 17, 2026 at 3:53 AM
This is an awesome piece the title itself let bygones be bygones congratulations on the anthology entry. Many blessings
Ibeh Avatar
July 23, 2026 at 4:53 AM
Sorry I missed your comments, Yolanda. Thank you, my friend.
Agustin Avatar
December 30, 2022 at 7:08 AM
Thanks for sharing this. By God's grace, I greet you with the peace and joy of Christmas toward a prosperous New Year along this present: "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23 of the King James Bible). God bless you.
Ibeh Avatar
December 30, 2022 at 7:34 AM
As always, thank you very much, Beata:-) God bless you, my friend.
Gorelick Avatar
December 26, 2022 at 4:59 PM
Congratulations on POTD Edward! I appreciate your sage advice. Hate is like holding a log on fire I've learned, as I'm the only one that gets burned. Happy Holidays. Robert
Ibeh Avatar
December 26, 2022 at 6:55 PM
Thank you very much for the wonderful feedback and congratulations, Robert:-) Happy holidays to you, too!
Gauthier Avatar
December 25, 2022 at 3:34 PM
Wise advice ~ Happy holidays to you and your loved ones, Edward!
Ibeh Avatar
December 26, 2022 at 8:56 AM
Thank you very much, Line:-) Happy holidays!
Rodrigues Avatar
December 23, 2022 at 6:43 AM
Oh such a lovely thought, especially at Christmas, and always! God bless you! Congratulations on POTD, Edward!
Ibeh Avatar
December 23, 2022 at 7:22 AM
Thank you so much, Kim:-)
Messina Avatar
December 23, 2022 at 3:05 AM
I couldn't agree with you more, Edward. "My Golden Rule" - "Be the bigger person" Excellent right...belated Congrats on POTD! Charlie
Ibeh Avatar
December 23, 2022 at 7:21 AM
Thank you very much, Charles:-)
Meadows Avatar
December 23, 2022 at 12:18 AM
A good poem. Congratulations on your POTD. Well written.
Ibeh Avatar
December 23, 2022 at 2:40 AM
Thank you very much, Jeanette:-)
Alex Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 11:30 PM
"It's much easier to breathe with feuds ended", " Forget who threw the poison dart first", "Toss your ego aside and be the bigger person" - Practical hints, (though a bit difficult to practice) to live peacefully in this modern world. Congratulations!
Ibeh Avatar
December 23, 2022 at 2:39 AM
Thank you very much for the comments and congratulations, Christuraj:-) Most appreciated.
Volumes Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 10:19 PM
A passive approach douses flames and forgiveness sets us free. Your poem is inspirational Edward. To suggest being the "bigger person" far from a coward, if you settle differences without violence, is such an important lesson. Extremely deserving of POTD. Congratulations.
Ibeh Avatar
December 23, 2022 at 2:37 AM
Thank you very much for the wonderful feedback and congrats, Wendy:-) I couldn't agree more!
Nicole Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 7:04 PM
First, I would like to say that I'm placing this in my favorites. (For all the right reasons). Second, this should be printed and placed in every office and school. Third, your words hold so much truth and everyone *needs* to practice them. As I've learned over the years, not every field is for battle. Examine your thoughts, before sharing them. Overlook human flaws, and be kind. Congratulations Edward, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy
Ibeh Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 8:35 PM
I echo your sentiments, Brandy:-) I greatly appreciate the comments and fave!
Watt Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 4:33 PM
Edward, so many profound thoughts drenched in simple wisdom for maintaining peace between neighbors and nations... "Toss your ego aside and be the bigger person" would resolve many disputes, feuds, and wars. Congratulations on your worthy POTD ~ John
Ibeh Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 8:33 PM
Thank you very much for the wonderful feedback and congrats, John:-) I couldn't agree more!
Rone Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 4:01 PM
Wonderful POTD Edward. I love the inspiration shown in the piece. So well crafted. I want to see more of you. Best - Ken
Ibeh Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 8:29 PM
Thank you very much, Ken:-)
Jones Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 3:46 PM
Great advice in your potd! Congrats
Ibeh Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 8:28 PM
Thank you very much, Karen:-)
Roper Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 3:41 PM
Congratulations on POTD, my friend. Merry Christmas
Ibeh Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 8:27 PM
Thank you so much, Eve:-)
Darnell Sr Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 1:56 PM
Hi, Edward! Congratulations on the POTD. I have to say it's a phenomenal well-versed poetry piece. Great penning, Edward. Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza, or Happy Holidays, whichever you celebrate. God's Blessing to you and your family, and friends. Again, Congratulations on POTD. Best of Wishes, William
Ibeh Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 8:27 PM
Thank you very much for the wonderful feedback and congratulations, William:-)
Andresen Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 12:50 PM
- Congratulations on your p.o.t.d., Edward - Excellent written - Merry Christmas - hugs
Ibeh Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 1:05 PM
Thank you very much, Anne-Lise:-)
Sands Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 12:44 PM
Great message. Congratulations for POTD :)
Ibeh Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 1:04 PM
Thank you so much, Heidi!:-)
Slaughter Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 11:27 AM
A very good choice for POTD, Edward...and, also, a pretty good one for New Year's Resolutions.
Ibeh Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 1:03 PM
Thank you, Jim:-) It's indeed a good one for New Year's resolutions!
Summers Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 11:14 AM
Great advice and congratulations on POTD honors, well deserved. John
Ibeh Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 1:01 PM
Thank you very much, John:-)
Doll Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 10:34 AM
Great rhyming and message. Congratulations on POTD~ Warren
Ibeh Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 12:59 PM
Thank you very much, Warren:-)
Dietrich Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 9:56 AM
Excellent advice. Sadly, bullies will never do this, and the abused must suffer. If only the whole world could be mature and realize the power of forgiveness and simply being kind oh, and congrats on POTD. Well deserved
Ibeh Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 12:58 PM
What you said is sadly true. If only! Thank you very much, Andrea:-)
Anaya Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 9:08 AM
Congratulations Edward Ibeh on your POTD! Strife over fundamental issues worsen, without practice in a strong belief system, it’s a matter of one’s intentions. Until good practices, the act of contrition may not apply. Let Bygones be Bygones and find a way. Excellent message! ~Anaya:D
Ibeh Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 12:55 PM
Thank you very much for the wonderful feedback and congrats, Anaya:-)
Goldsmith Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 7:17 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. A great write filled with truth. If only everyone would forgive. Merry Christmas............
Ibeh Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 10:27 AM
Thank you so much, Paula:-) Merry Christmas!
Lawrence Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 6:58 AM
So wise … so true and poignant dear Edward !! Love this and all it represents. Big congratulations on POTD! Hugs and blessings to you yours this holiday season. Susan :)
Ibeh Avatar
December 22, 2022 at 10:27 AM
Thank you very much for the feedback and congrats, Susan:-)
12
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace