A Pig Wrestling Boycott
There are those
Who seem to require
Conflict at every turn;
Unconcerned
For the harm they cause
Or the bridges
They burn.
They fight
With a cruel
Perverse delight
Because
They have one basic aim:
To drag you
with them
Into the mire—
Best you don’t play
That game.
.
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© J Cosmo Newbery 2014
---
Surely bridges are there to be burnt?
ReplyDeleteThere are better things to do with them
DeleteGeorge also said "Silence is the most perfect expression of scorn."
ReplyDeleteHe also said "Every man over forty is a scoundrel."
DeleteI'm 39.
DeleteDonkey years?
DeleteWindmills.
DeleteIf only bridge burning was the worst of what they do...
ReplyDeleteTrue. You need to step back and see the whole narcissistic picture, this helps you understand the needs that feed the actions.
DeleteI think we all know someone like that. Sometimes fighting is what gives their life purpose and meaning. In the spirit of the quote salvo can I ad a favourite by Gibran:
ReplyDelete"Those who give you a serpent when you ask for a fish,
may have nothing but serpents to give.
It is then generosity on their part."
Stay neutral. Is that why there was a Swiss Army knife in the last post?
No, the knife was just because I wanted something with lots of abilities.
DeleteI can see what Gibran is on about but don't agree that someone will just have snakes. I know the object of my poem has lots of fish but she chooses to throw snakes. She now spends all her time firing derogatory and self-justifying posts, like serpentine mortars across the internet.
Apparently she hopes I will return fire, along the lines of 'anything you can spew, I can spew better'. I wont.
The irony is that she told me months ago that she would do this, that she has eventually done it to everyone that she has engaged with on-line. I'm sad it ended this way but, if it makes her happy, I can live with that.
Good. Cognitive dissonance at play. The only way she can reconcile her self image of a good person with her objectionable behaviour is to demonise you, to justify the behaviour. You'll never win that battle. You did the right thing by packing up your tent and leaving.
DeleteThanks. It's more than that though. I think she is the sort of person who needs conflict to give meaning to her life. They're out there.
DeleteBon chance.
DeleteIs she likely to read this?
Of course, she is constantly looking for signs of battle engagement.
DeleteGreat application of boycott, not taking in what an individual has continually given--but not giving ground either! Poetry writing, when aimed at individuals, is much more aggressive than boycotts are, but maybe not quite as frustrating as non-engagement. It's a win for them, yes?
ReplyDeleteha. and much like the pig
ReplyDeletethey are delighted when you are rolling
in the shit with them.
reading the comments -- i have known a few of these people online....
DeleteI'm sure you have, Brian.
DeleteLove the poem, and Shaw's quote. Makes me think of that other quote about never trying to teach a pig to sing - it wastes your time and annoys the pig!
ReplyDeleteThat's a swine poem you've written, J.C. I cannot believe there are people who actually enjoy fights, but I've met quite a few. And been on the "receiving" end of whatever trash they were dumping.
ReplyDeletePeace and joy (if that's possible)!
Oh, it is certainly possible. Stepping back and watching in amusement is a great skill to learn.
DeleteThe only bridges I burn are figurative... but I usually burn them by accident. Even in boycotts, I try to BUILD a bridge, to let the powerful know why what they are doing is objectionable. I may be like Sancho and his boss, but I truly believe that peaceful protest and social pressure are the only ways the rich and mighty can learn. Thanks, Cos!! Amy
ReplyDeleteGood intentions Amy but you need to be careful - appeasement can just embed the behaviour as 'business as usual'.
DeleteI wrestled with a rasher of bacon this morning...
ReplyDeleteAnyone egging you on?
DeleteNo, but I was grilled by a tomato...
DeleteNot mushroom for compromise, then?
DeleteNot without making a hash of it.
Deletevery cool message... :)
ReplyDeleteWorst still when you're related to a soul sucker - although still best to put them to one side..
ReplyDeleteA soul sucker!
DeleteGreat quote! I avoid such wrestling matches too... though sometimes those pig are so provocative!
ReplyDeletefighting indeed is so low when you can achieve far more by peaceful methods !!
ReplyDeleteExcellent boycott idea! Much better to stay above the fray. Love the quote, too!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, well expressed.
ReplyDeleteWow this sounds a lot like court!
ReplyDeleteSage advice. I wish I had these words spoken to me when I was younger. Well-written poem.
ReplyDelete