Polished Mirror

Nice, Mel. Your writing is always improving. This has a momentum built up from the short statements evolving into longer, flowing stanzas.

I do question the need for a comma after "electing".

Thank you very much JB.  As always I appreciated your feedback!  After reading again, I agree. No need for additional pause there.

Excellent spirit of the comp, Mel.  

I was in a drive through getting coffee and was fumbling through change to "Have the amount ready", and the lady behind me laid down on her horn when I hadn't moved up a car length.  She acted as though I'd ruined her entire life.  

So, I paid for her order instead. ❤

We don't know what others are going through, but a soft answer turns away wrath.  

Best of luck in the comp.

What a lovely response to have. Actions speak volumes. You can certainly be proud of yours.
“Let us carve gems out of our stony hearts and let them light our path to love.”
Thank you for the competition 😘

What a great spirit with a great response!

Really like this poem Mel; it has a mature feeling to it.

"Knowing not
her path
nor where
her travels led
alternatively
I offer
prayers for her instead"
... these lines reminded me of the work of Dr Ihaleakala Hew Len, doing his version of the Hawaiian spiritual practice of Ho'oponopono where the 'healer' takes on the pains/problems of the patient as if they were their own and by healing that element within themselves, the patient became healed without any 'intervention'. I read about him some time ago; now the internet info on him seems 'commercialised' but it does seem he got remarkable results by "polishing the mirror" within himself on behalf of others.

Thank you Josh.  I will have to read up on Hoʻoponopono...not something I have heard of but would like to know more.  RL is an honour:) Bless

Bravisima Mel! This is such an elightened piece.  While reading my overwhelming thought,  "she gets it. " This passage is so wise, "Her rage
not my burden." It is such a relief/release to realize that we cannot control another's emotions,  reactions,  or outlook on life.  Just our own... And if we happen to influence others for the good then our cake is properly iced.

Thank you lovely...what I do find funny is that I learned I have absolutely no control over the behaviour or emotions of others by working with kids. I am only responsible for and can only control my response. I didn't learn quickly but lesson learned nonetheless. Much love dear friend:)

What a teachable verse:

"Knowing not
her path
nor where
her travels led
alternatively
I offer
prayers for her instead"

Sometimes we just walk into the pathway of someone else's rage and we still have a choice, I love the one taken here.
Since we "can only be responsible for my response" conversely it may also influence yours or others outcomes.
Great piece,Bravo.

Thank you kindly TIG. I love your description of verse as “teachable”. I truly appreciate you taking the time to read and respond😘

Heartfelt poem, Mel! Nicely done... :)

Thank you very much NB. I appreciate you reading and you taking the time to respond:)