Lin Lane Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

Constance's One Goal Contest ~ 12/27/24

Setting the Goal of Tolerance

"Instead of expressing exasperation, think toleration."
                                                                    ~ by poet


I find that I've become impatient with people who seem dense
and it only serves to frustrate me with an ire too often intense.
Sometimes, under my breath, I hear the words I'm mumbling,
"Why can't you understand this?"  Then, I realize I'm grumbling.
I'm just a lowly human without a trace of Divinity to be found
so, I should be more humble, for I've not been royally crowned.

"Be tolerant," my heart whispers to my soul, as if it could hear.
"And be mindful," it said to my tongue, "words can bring tears."
I really should listen with more compassion and less askance.
I've no right to judge others. I don't know their life's circumstance.
Swallowing harsh words is a taste I should learn to find sweet
and conquer the bitterness of retorts... intolerance then I'd defeat.

People are not chess pawns that I can push around on a board,
and leniency should be allowed them across every stream I ford.
I don't control who walks the bridge with opinions of their own.
It's their right to have them, even if they're ones I don't condone.
I'll pursue being more tolerant of others and give them respect
and be sincerely diligent about this as a goal I should not neglect.

♡Like0

Share 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

Duke Beaufort January 15, 2025 at 4:11 PM Lin, this does make me laugh and smile. I’m open to my opinions being wrong and would certainly listen to others. If I think they are really wrong, I just laugh more. Especially if they are denying agreed to facts. So, I’m wondering if I need more humility. Certainly none of us except Siri, Alexa, and their clones can have all the answers!

Christuraj Alex December 30, 2024 at 2:21 AM ""Be tolerant," my heart whispers to my soul, as if it could hear. "And be mindful," it said to my tongue, "words can bring tears." - Very powerful lines. Grand poem. Congratulations!

Michael Tor December 28, 2024 at 3:59 AM Lin your message here is one that we all should realize and abide with. Words can really do damage when someone targets an individual and many times it is never the same between the two. We all have our standards and opinions and judging others. You can disagree but don't disrespect.. That is how I try to be. You will never agree 100 percent and that is ok. Respect I think is the key word and there is an old saying, "It's not the things you say that are important, it is the things you don't say." Michael Tor December 28, 2024 at 4:02 AM Like when a gun is fired once that bullet leaves the barrel you can't take it back, it is the same with judging and responding in a negative way. It always comes down to the basic rule. Treat others the way you want to be treated. I love this one from you Lin in my book it is a winner. Like it so much your thoughtful words I am favoring. Hugs...

Kim Rodrigues December 27, 2024 at 3:40 PM We all have thoughts. It is in hating, that a problem exists. Getting to know each other indeed helps. The bible tells us to capture our thoughts, that’s how we overcome. Great poem, Lin! Hugs and Happy New Year!

John Lawless December 27, 2024 at 11:58 AM OH..I misread the first line and thought it said you had become an "in patient"...My bad

Tom Cunningham December 27, 2024 at 8:01 AM We're all guilty of judging others without realising that we are all different and don't often share the same views and many might have struggles that we are unaware of. We have to exercise patience with others sometimes and it's not always easy. Good luck in the contest Lin. Hope your day is going well. Tom Lin Lane December 27, 2024 at 8:29 AM Yes, we do, Tom and the shame of it is that it's done without a second thought. Thanks for reading me.