Gail Debole Poet Rhyme

Tug of Self-War

Written on February 17, 2020
By Gail DeBole

I read a quote the other day.
It said you must improve today.

I read a quote the other day.
It said to love yourself – don’t change.

Which quote was right?
Which quote was wrong?

Both made me weak.
Both made me strong.

And thus, the tug of war began.

One side of me – quite content
Was fighting all my discontent.

One side of me – quite discontent
Was fighting all my self-content.

My ego – almost split in two
Could not decide just what to do.

And thus, the tug of war continued.

Until one day, quite tired of this.
My question was, "What had I missed?"

Was there a balance I couldn’t see?
Satisfied with what I was, could I be…

A person who improved her lot
Without a tug of war so taut?

And thus, the tug of war ended.

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Barbara Barry-Nishanian October 31, 2020 at 8:31 PM I really like your attitude with this clever, witty piece. Will stay in touch. Gail Debole November 8, 2020 at 5:40 PM Hi Barbara, Thanks so much for stopping by. Glad to hear that you enjoyed this poem. - Best Regards, Gail

John Gondolf March 7, 2020 at 8:10 AM Enjoyed this clever rhyme, Gail. Perhaps the second quote meant "don't change to impress someone else." I think we should always try to improve but we should be true to ourselves and never change the person that we are (assuming we are a good person). Just my thoughts. John Gail Debole March 7, 2020 at 8:18 AM Hi John, I agree with you! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know your thoughts. - Gail

Mark Toney February 19, 2020 at 3:03 PM Gail this is very clever. I also like the way you used 3 single lines after a series of couplets to change the pace and then to end it. I'll be reading more of your poems :) ~Mark Gail Debole March 7, 2020 at 8:17 AM Hi Mark, Thanks for stopping by and for leaving your feedback! - Have a good day, Gail