Be Nice

We’ve all heard the old expression,

“If you can’t say something nice,

Then you shouldn’t say

A single thing at all.”

I have a small confession

When I hear this sage advice,

That I sometimes have a tendency

To stumble, slip and fall.

I try. I do. I really try

To keep my tongue in check,

Even when I’d like to

Wring somebody’s scrawny neck.

I try my best to hold it in

And not speak out in fury.

I tell myself I have no right

To act as judge and jury.

Stepping back and breathing deep,

I measure my reaction.

Is confrontation necessary?

Does my case have traction?

Anger is a fiery cake

Delivered by the slice.

Best to let the fire subside

To embers.

Just be nice.

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