In the face of insult, the response you choose may mean the difference
between life and death. Still, is death the worst pain you can suffer?
Or is being manipulated into acting aggressively a greater insult still?


I know you, friend Rage, we have faced thus before,
Eye to eye, nose to nose,
Your breath in my mouth like the thick stench of war.

I learn lessons quickly, I'll never forget
An old face, a good name,
The hot rush of blood the first time that we met.

But I've learned to control your passionate flare,
Fists like stones, grinding teeth.
Now I open my lips and I breathe my own air.

Respect is my cohort, a grand guide he makes.
Level head, open eyes,
These are the virtues of which he partakes.

Respect knows no limits, he's boundless in scope.
Helping hands, gentle tongue,
Tools give him strength to with ignorance cope.

He sees through the guise of alignment or name.
Friend or foe, old or young,
He listens, he honours and treats both the same.

Dare not call him soft, Rage my violent friend.
Dedication, patience;
The most difficult traits are the means to the end.

And so I will keep you tucked safely away;
Hot tempers dissipate,
And with my new lessons, I will face a new day.


Penned by my hand on the 3rd of Mayan, in the year 394 AF.