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The Costly Choice of Revenge

Is it the arrow while in its flight? That determines what is in its sight? More likely the archer, with steady aim. Shot not to kill, but to hurt and to maim. At last, he’ll release his final revenge. It’s not his choice, the flight to abate, The target chosen as if by fate. The arrow its damage, it will do. The deed is done, the archer is through. Now he can stop his honor less binge. Revenge was not the ultimate cure, For all the pain he had to endure. A forgiveness path should have been taken, A better path, be not mistaken. Love enters in to act as a hinge. Opening the door to understanding, Knowledge enters and is expanding. Two people beginning to comprehend, Like a willow tree, they too can bend. They begin to see hope on the fringe. In death truth is told, the final sting. The voice of justice begins to sing. Those not able to make the right choice, Understand their error from the voice. All are harmed when the choice is revenge.

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Regina Elliott

Date: 11/6/2023 4:09:00 PM

Hi Bill, I heard an old saying that goes, "When choosing revenge, bring two shovels, one to bury them, and one to bury you." The virtue of forgiveness isn't always easy, but that's what precious Jesus preached about, and wants us to do. It doesn't necessarily mean the victim has to stay in contact with the offender, as in the case of someone who has been abused physically/mentally, but they can get a peace in their heart and soul by forgiving, then move on. ~

Gary Radice

Date: 8/18/2023 3:49:00 AM

There's so much anger in the world today. I often think that the arts of discussion, compromise and debate have disappeared. Forgiveness is a great human trait. It can't change the past but it can truly influence the future..and besides, nothing annoys an enemy more than standing up to them, and forgiving them. My thoughts. I enjoyed reading and thinking about your words Bill. Have a nice weekend. Cheers - Gary

Bill Baker
Date: 8/19/2023 1:25:00 PM

Thanks for the thoughtful comments, Gary. The world does seem to be going the wrong way on the topics you mentioned. Thanks for the visit my friend. Bill

Paul Bell

Date: 8/16/2023 3:36:00 AM

I suppose It's what the revenge is for. If someone hurts your family, then I think it's merited, unfortunately these days, the wrong word seems to start wars.

Bill Baker
Date: 8/16/2023 8:11:00 AM

You're right on spot with your comment about the over sensitivity in our world these days. A person can be shamed for saying something the wrong way according to people they don't even know. Thanks for the comments on my poetry, my friend. Bill

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 8/13/2023 2:07:00 PM

very well expressed. I just really abhor the way so many people love to have revenge

Bill Baker
Date: 8/14/2023 5:14:00 PM

Me too, Andrea, I just don't get hating and revengeful thinking or doing. Thanks for the comments, my friend. Bill

Vijay Pandit

Date: 8/12/2023 5:30:00 AM

Great message, Bill--words of wisdom, my friend.

Bill Baker
Date: 8/12/2023 3:04:00 PM

Thanks, Vijay. I hope your weekend is going well, my friend. Enjoy what's left of it! Bill

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 8/12/2023 1:46:00 AM

Beautiful message here, Bill. After death life reviews have shown ~ The blood we spilt here was our own

Bill Baker
Date: 8/12/2023 3:05:00 PM

It would not surprise me at all for your statement to be true. Thanks for the mindful comment, my friend. Bill

Miranda Hawley

Date: 8/11/2023 8:26:00 PM

They say you should dig two graves if you are going out for revenge. I've heard stories where the person who sought out and enacted revenge came to regret it.

Bill Baker
Date: 8/12/2023 3:08:00 PM

I agree, Miranda. Many times, if not most of the time, the person that enacts revenge hurts themselves as much or more than they hurt the person they sought revenge on. Thanks for the visit and comments, my friend. Have a great weekend! Bill

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 8/11/2023 1:11:00 PM

How well you've described the toxicity of revenge and the useless damage it causes. I like what you've written, Bill. It sheds a light on revenge is a unique way using an archer and his arrows...great metaphor. xoxo, your wife, Sara

Bill Baker
Date: 8/11/2023 2:31:00 PM

Thanks, Sara, for the kind words of encouragement. Enjoy your afternoon, writing away! Hugs, Bill

Jay Narain

Date: 8/11/2023 9:59:00 AM

Nicely penned poem. I like the stanza, "Revenge was not the ultimate cure, For all the pain he had to endure. A forgiveness path should have been taken, A better path, be not mistaken. Love enters in to act as a hinge."

Bill Baker
Date: 8/11/2023 12:07:00 PM

Thanks for the comments, Jay. I appreciate your visits and comments, my friend. Have a great weekend! Bill