The High Road

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”
Matthew 7:6

So hard it can be
to take that upward trek
leading from the depths 
of resentment’s abyss
where the stench of offensivenss
surrounding you
begins to gag you.

You can sputter and choke on 
your horrible displeasure
(a few times in my life I've allowed this to occur)
but how good it felt to rise up
from the pit
where my own shiny pearls
had been hurled back at me
so cruelly.

I knew . . . 
        I knew very well
my pearls were never meant
for swine.

I say to all who feel that pain
of utterances most profane, 
let them not echo in your ears.
Let not others' evil deeds 
bring you to their level.
Take that road
that leads you up out of the abyss.
Tread steadfastly
and never look back
until their oaths against you
fade 
         into
                    nothingness.

Oct. 17, 2021
For the High Road Poetry Contest
of Regina McIntosh
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Agustin Avatar
October 27, 2021 at 9:44 PM
Wow! Congrats! Thanks for sharing this... wisdom-filled muse exposed by your poetic heart. God bless you.
Kauffman Avatar
October 27, 2021 at 11:05 AM
Such wonderful lines Andrea that end in resolution, comfort and ultimate healing. Congratulations on your win!
Alex Avatar
October 26, 2021 at 11:57 PM
Very great wisdom lines. "until their oaths against you fade into nothingness" - Waiting to see changes instead of impatient frustration. Congratulations!
Ebbs Avatar
October 26, 2021 at 6:24 PM
Nicely done and congrats :)
Mcintosh Avatar
October 26, 2021 at 3:56 PM
Love this sweet friend. Congrats and God bless you, Love, Gina
Laurie Avatar
October 21, 2021 at 9:58 PM
Hello Andrea ... it is much easier to fall than to climb, but the satisfaction always comes after climbing. A great piece of advice Andrea - Lindsay
Jayasankar Avatar
October 20, 2021 at 2:45 AM
What an exquisite excellent write Ria... and a great advice... I loved the quote you used too... words of wisdom so well penned... Best wishes and hugs... ~ Ani
Peranteau Avatar
October 19, 2021 at 6:37 AM
Deep Andrea! Yikes; you dun put me back on the road dear poet! ;) Okay, well...dang, now i cant write this next write i came up with this AM...I'm such the lascivious sheep...naw, it's too good...hope that i don't embarrass anyone ;) have a fullfilling week vooman...much love, james
Romios Avatar
October 19, 2021 at 5:13 AM
A WOWSER and FAVe, You know where I stand. No more tears before swine. Mountains were made to climb. Playing it safe? Being liked is a no win game Pangie Best wishes Pangie
Seeker Avatar
October 18, 2021 at 9:38 PM
Transcendence, soaring like an eagle in the heavens! Beautiful. Good luck for the contest, Andrea. I’ll also try to come up with something, although I don’t use free verse much
Wolf Avatar
October 18, 2021 at 7:38 PM
Send it Federal Express to Ms. Hilary Clinton and Mr. Donald Trump... There's always hope. Great message, Andrea. Faith and Strength, Gershon
Tor Avatar
October 18, 2021 at 6:57 PM
You are the better person Andrea...
Krutsinger Avatar
October 18, 2021 at 12:52 PM
The best advice "Let not others' evil deeds bring you to their level."
Maverick Avatar
October 18, 2021 at 11:45 AM
Yes Andrea, with guidance from the living Word You will be sure of foot, even though at times All is not clear, God has the beginning and the End under His control.' You should stay high And dry in the contest is my opinion, out of Any mire.'
Cheney Avatar
October 18, 2021 at 11:35 AM
Such excellent advice contained in this write.
May Avatar
October 18, 2021 at 6:43 AM
Rising above the fray, Very nicely penned Andrea..
Woodrow Avatar
October 18, 2021 at 6:26 AM
Very nice and uplifting:)
Buhagiar Avatar
October 18, 2021 at 12:50 AM
Offer to God your good deeds. Great moral. HUgs.
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