Rewards of a Civil Approach

While some are always compelled to incite
Others reap rewards by being polite

Civility is challenging when views contrast
But much is gained when anger's surpassed

The social conventions of propriety
Reduce stress in a multicultural society

Acceptance of others' points of view
Even without concurrence carry you through

Exploring through debate, avoiding anger
A productive path for civil anglers

Failure to allow for differences
Wins no friends, no spiritual references

You may think you're "right," but get real
How does antagonism make you feel?

Far better to realize we've something to learn
By reaching across the aisle, respect we earn

Civility and Congress seem incongruous
Perhaps that's why we're in such a mess

So open your hearts to others' opinions
Learn from the actions of a wise Virginian

By reaching compromise in his Declaration
Jefferson gave birth to the world's freest nation
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Boy Avatar
April 21, 2010 at 8:46 AM
Nice
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
April 10, 2010 at 2:50 AM
Carolyn, Jefferson also compromised his political position in the midst of slavery by having two wives. ..One black and one white. Clearly an example of his open-minded thinking and his willingness to pursue and live freedom in his own way. Love and respect for fellowman seems to be the backbone of freedom as he saw it. Your poem is very insightful. And T. Jefferson taught us all a good lesson posthumously. Smiles, Dane
White Avatar
April 7, 2010 at 9:57 AM
Truer words... what is it going to take for our society to remake, show their compassion to others? I like your write
Culverhouse Avatar
April 7, 2010 at 7:52 AM
enjoyed reading.
Dietrich Avatar
April 6, 2010 at 12:58 PM
Very nice entry in the civil contest(right?) I think you concluded it really well too, giving that line about Jefferson. Best of luck, dear, and thanks so much for voting on some beautiful words! LUv, andrea
Austin Avatar
April 6, 2010 at 9:08 AM
Good advice for everyone, Carolyn. You must love people, all people. When W. C. Fields was asked if he liked children, he said, "Yes, if they're properly cooked." As for myself, I prefer animals. BIG LOVE, daver
Hickman Avatar
April 5, 2010 at 9:24 PM
a very profound wirte about civility,,it seems like so many seem to hate to be wrong,,they cannot be wrong,,ever,, well believe me I am wrong at times as well as others are,,,I enjoyed and loved your ending,,,again with your educational writes that remind and teach others,,a fabulous write my friend,,,and Thank you for all the visits and the words that you leave behind,,,Blessings...Cecil
Kendrick Avatar
April 5, 2010 at 6:11 PM
Glad that Jefferson got the plan together and we now have the freedom..Great ideas penned ...Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my work..Sara
Guzzi Avatar
April 5, 2010 at 3:51 PM
a most excellent thought & write.Light & Love to the poetess extraudinair!
Loving Iii Avatar
April 5, 2010 at 3:45 PM
you just started a fight. Jefferson was one of my favorite presidents untill i learned his history on the slaves he was suppoes to set free with money paid to him. and he had relations with two sisters. his freedom was his own for his own kind. a selfish juster indeed. sorry but you touched a nerve. john
W Avatar
April 5, 2010 at 3:24 PM
How wonderful, Carolyn! Very impowering and free!
Knop Avatar
April 5, 2010 at 2:23 PM
Great, Carolyn! It would be so good for the US to come back to the necessary and to Jefferson's Declaration! I am also thinking abou the national health scheme which would be so good for many US citizens. My auntie in CA had to sell her house because she had to pay for her surgicakl operation and had to move with her daughter to a mobile home---That is not acceptable!... Thank you for your comments! and I do hope you had a happy Easter too!...Gert
Freeman Avatar
April 5, 2010 at 9:08 AM
One's reach accross the table respecting others right to have a dream does not mean they necessarily concur. Good job with this couplet, Carolyn. thanks for your comments, belated. I may have time to get caught up with commentation now.Smile! Agape, Moses
Delacroix Avatar
April 5, 2010 at 9:03 AM
Awesome! Carolyn. Great and inspiring couplet and so true. Thanks for sharing and thanks for your great comments on mine. Best wishes, Caroline.
Byrne Avatar
April 4, 2010 at 8:28 PM
Very good poem.....but the worlds freest nation?
Fraser Avatar
April 4, 2010 at 2:29 PM
Classic Historical tones in this Couplet Carolyn, wonderful piece > good luck in the contest >> James
Budd Avatar
April 4, 2010 at 1:52 PM
I agree with every word. Great write.
Parrish-Spence Avatar
April 4, 2010 at 12:45 PM
From the first line to the last I have enjoyed this poem. Thanks
Anderson Avatar
April 4, 2010 at 11:51 AM
Hey Carolyn, A Happy Easter and thnx for always reading and leaving kind comments for me.....Audrey's leaving this comment on my behalf....Jimmy
Cheeseman Avatar
April 4, 2010 at 11:34 AM
Great write and great message lovely lady, we should all read and take heed. Thanks for the kind comments and by the way there are still a few miles left in this OLD heart of mine Ha! Ha! Daniel
White Avatar
April 4, 2010 at 10:47 AM
Nice and honest- I love your line `civil anglers`
Culverhouse Avatar
April 4, 2010 at 10:43 AM
great job, if it could be so simple.
Roberts Avatar
April 4, 2010 at 8:44 AM
very nice piece, Have a wonderful Easter Carolyn
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