Equal Rights

poem in rhyming quatrains

 

 

Equal rights

 

Why should I love my enemy?

My enemy does not love me

Why should I turn the other cheek?

and give him cause to think I’m weak.

 

I show my enemy respect

 but let him know that I expect

 from him similar courtesy.

 He can and will expect from me.

 

If he is wise he understands

I will not bow to his commands.

I am quite sure I have the right

To fight if I am forced to fight.

 

I can accept you don’t like me

 And I dislike you equally

You have the right to your own view

You must remember I do too.

 

It’s possible to disagree

 And yet not be an enemy.

I think we have the right to choose

If we so wish opposing views.

 

 I do not choose my enemies

 I would much rather we were friends

 I think my enemies choose me

My rights I will fight to defend.

 

7-Nov-08

 

http:// blog .myspace.com/poeticpiers

Reviews

[C. M. Miller]

An Op-Ed poem!? Brilliantly conceived and equally well plotted. Your write brings to mind what Teddy said perfectly back in '03, "Speak softly and carry and big stick; you will go far." This poem speaks softly, but with a certain proviso clearly stated.

[Donna DeLong Matthews a..]

This is an awesome piece
it caused me to dig deep within
while reading and helped me finish
a write Ive been struggle'n with since
11-04. I love it when I read something
that inspires me to pick up my pen.
And yours inspired me to relplace the
first stanza of my write.
Thank you for this most awesome rendering
Hugs
D