The Three Wise Men
The Three Wise Men
The fires that burn and scorch my skin,
And raging furnace stoked within,
The fiends that tease and call me names,
Their cursed taunting fans the flames.
Should I retaliate in kind?
Then would I lose in my own mind
To stoop to be as low as them?
Is not revenge an equal sin?
“Forgive them, they know not what they do.”
Hard advice, but the words ring true.
Or simply, “Turn the other cheek.”
They say that God protects the meek.
“Stand up and fight them like a man.
To gain respect first take a stand,
But never be the first to strike.
Show courage when you know you’re right.”
All wise advice that I have heard,
Said by Jesus in God’s Word,
And my father on this Earth
Instilled in me from time of birth.
But how do I know which is right,
Forgive abuse or stand and fight?
Can I somehow take a stand,
But not in anger raise my hand?
I will repel sarcasm hurled,
I am a man, no little girl.
Abuse is a weapon of the weak
Who hide behind mere words they speak.
But pending physical attack
I will not take one footstep back.
I’ll stand my ground and brace my chin,
For I know I have the power to win.
“First they ignore you,
Then they laugh at you,
Then they fight you,
Then you win.”
…Mahatma Gandhi…
Now Gandhi’s wise words have been bade
Confirming my decision made.
These three wise men instilled in me
Values I hope others like to see.
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.” … Mahatma Gandhi …
John Hansen © 2017
Now I find myself branching out and experimenting with short fiction, and thoroughly enjoying this, especially flash fiction.
I have been fortunate to have two poems made into songs and recorded. The first "On the Road to Kingdom Come" by Al Wordlaw, and the second, "If I Could Write a Love Poem" by award-winning Israeli/British singer Tally Koren.
My services increasingly in demand as a freelance writer and I have ghost-written the text for a number of children's books and educational tutorials.
It has taken me many years of searching and restlessness to realise that my life's passion is to write. It saddens me that I wasted so many years not devoting to that, but thinking positively, the experiences gained over those years are now wonderful material for my stories and poems.
I want to try to bring a new focus on poetry and try to make it appealing to a new generation of young people and those who thought they never liked or understood it before.
- The First Word – A Flash Fiction Story - January 18, 2024
- Dawns Song ~ and Twilight Serenade - December 1, 2023
- Weave Me a Story - June 15, 2023
Very well-thought out poem, John, with great phrasing. I am actually going through a similar thing and I like your quotes from Gandhi. My stance is to continue to be who I am and at peace with who I am and let those who are trying to slander me ‘dig their own grave’, as my Dad used to say – IOW let them be and I will remain silent, for I know the truth.
Thank you, Phyllis. Yes, the best you can do is stay strong and don’t give them the satisfaction of even reacting to anything they say or do. As you say “let them dig their own grave.” I have turned to Gandhi’s quotes quite a few times when I needed an answer. He was one very wise man.
I love Gandhi’s influence in your work here today John. And Phyllis is wise with the Digging their own grave mentality. Though, the whole first strike thing is a measure taken by those who should have all the facts. Sometimes the hands must be drawn to protect the innocent. Great piece John well written and flowed seamlessly. ~Paul
Thank you for reading Paul. I appreciate your generous and insightful comment.
Lovely work John, as to questions of response to those various affronts with which we have to confront. Wise words and very well thought out and expressed my friend. All so true. Kudos
Thank you, Tony. We have to face up to adversity and attacks by others at various times in our lives. We also have to choose how we will deal with these situations. I turn to what I consider wise advice for the answer.
So true John..There are different ways we can react to those who hurt us..I always think we should learn to choose our battles..We should try and forgive in most cases, but be bold enough to take a stand when it really matters..I really enjoyed reading your words of wisdom..Thank you so much for sharing..
Thanks for reading this Anjana. I think we should try to avoid conflict when possible but whe you need to take a stand you must. Glad you enjoyed this.
Great form in adding the perfect quotes to an already solid piece / you’ve woven several storylines to make an epic.