Edward Ibeh | + Follow Poet |
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The High Road

Several moons ago, I caught someone 
             Dead to rights, without him noticing
                    I was just yards away as he 
                 Clamped a nasty car note down
             With my windshield wiper; all because
       I unknowingly took the parking spot he wanted.
              Really mean things written in the note
                         I still vividly remember...  
                         "_my_, you bastard"
                  "next time, show some respect!"

                Before walking into his car to leave, 
               I gently tapped him on the shoulder 
                   And startled him half to death!
          Eyeball to eyeball, we froze in realization; 
                     We aren't total strangers!
              Oh wow, we live just 3 blocks apart!
                  I handed the note back saying...
             "I've read it. I don't need it anymore"
            Then I walked away, resisting the urge 
          To unleash a torrent of contumely on him

                      I felt angry and offended,
                    But the thought of someday 
         Returning the favor never crossed my mind
                 I chose to believe he was simply 
             Having a bad day. Besides, I could tell 
         He was stressed and felt bad when I turned 
      To look back at him seconds after walking away.
      It is tough taking the high road, forgiving vitriol 
  Directly at you, but I felt free doing so, thanks to God. 
I pray that God continues to help him the same way, too.


The High Road Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Regina McIntosh 
Date written: 10/23/2021

*vulgar words deleted on purpose*

Copyright © Edward Ibeh | Year Posted 2021

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I Am Anaya Date: 8/22/2022 6:41:00 PM It is tough taking the high road, forgiving vitriol...so true Edward! It CAN be heartbreaking as well. The road can be a dangerous place, we all have a place in it! I am visiting your trophy wins and enjoying! Login to Reply

Sam Kauffman Date: 10/27/2021 10:28:00 AM Edward, congratulations on your top win! You handled this situation with dignity and grace. The high road is often narrow and steep but reaching the top has so many rewards! I remember on morning on the way to church a lady blew through a stop sign almost hitting me. Somehow God kept my mouth shut, my hand off the horn and in my pocket. When it was time to give peace I turned around and there she was! Shaking her hand, wishing her peace really had an impact! Blessings to you my friend. Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 10/28/2021 2:16:00 AM "The high road is often narrow and steep but reaching the top has so many rewards!" I love this line! I couldn't agree more, Sam:-) Thanks for sharing such an amazing, really inspirational story! You're the salt of the earth!

Christuraj Alex Date: 10/26/2021 11:29:00 PM A beautiful incident. The narration is very vivid and descriptive in fluently flowing words and verses. Congratulations! Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 10/27/2021 7:24:00 AM Thank you very much, Christuraj:-)

Edward Ebbs Date: 10/26/2021 6:12:00 PM Congratulations Edward, smiles for you :) Good Job :) Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 10/26/2021 8:11:00 PM Thank you very much, Edward:-) Most appreciated, my friend.

Regina Mcintosh Date: 10/26/2021 3:52:00 PM Congrats on your awesome win. Love this. God bless you always, Love, Gina Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 10/26/2021 4:08:00 PM Thank you so much for the awesome feedback and my placement, Regina:-) What an honor!

Jenna Logan Date: 10/26/2021 3:11:00 PM A wonderful exposure to doing things the way God would expect us to. Congratulations on your first place win, Edward. Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 10/26/2021 3:22:00 PM Thank you very much, Jenna:-) Most obliged.

Tom Cunningham Date: 10/26/2021 3:10:00 PM You were ten times the man he'll ever be Edward, you proved yourself the better person. Congrats on your win. Tom Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 10/26/2021 3:28:00 PM Thank you so much, Tom:-) I hope that man was really just having bad day that day, lol.

Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 10/23/2021 11:55:00 AM Hello Edward, you did the right thing. No it is not easy to walkaway from a situation like that. But you did it. i am proud. Good luck in the contest. blessings Login to Reply Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 10/24/2021 7:17:00 AM Hello Edward, you are welcome my friend. weekend.my frind. Blessings. Darlene Edward Ibeh Date: 10/23/2021 2:33:00 PM Thank you very much, Darlene:-) I appreciate the visit and the wonderful, supportive comments, my friend.

Edward Ebbs Date: 10/23/2021 7:55:00 AM Good luck on the contest. The line that makes me smile, “I pray that God continues to help him the same way, too.” :) Login to Reply Edward Ibeh Date: 10/23/2021 7:59:00 AM Thank you so much, Edward:-) Blessings to you...