The Anger of Man

The Anger of Man
by Herbert Poole

Bludgeoned by my words
But, you see
It never occurred to me
The cruel reality
Of my blind brutality
A broken shell of a man
With a little boy inside
With hurts and wounds
I could no longer hide
The anger and rage
Like a hunger lion
In a cage
Not a question of if
But, when
The savage beast within
Would finally be free
Of it's facade of captivity
Punching holes in walls
Throwing things down halls
Shattered memories
As these violent tendencies
Inflicted internal bruising and bleeding
Though outward signs
Were often misleading
"I'm sorry" can never erase
Words that have been said
Violent images
That are replayed in their head
A clear lack of respect
For those
I was meant to protect
After all, would I treat
Someone I met on the street
With such disregard
Or hardness of heart
How could I get it so wrong?
Intoxicated by something so strong
Power and control had become
My tools of choice
Words that cut like a machete
As I raised my voice
The anger of man
Leaves destruction in it's path
As broken hearts and lives
Lay waste in it's aftermath
But, You have called me
To speak words of life
To bless and not curse
My children and wife
To love them as You did
When You took up Your cross
As a servant leader
Not trying to show who is boss
Gentle and patient
Forgiving and kind
Not quick to spew words in anger
That cloud and fill my mind
Not acting as a child
When foolish and young
Unleashing venomous words
With an unbridled tongue
So, Lord, I humbly pray
Please heal and restore
The broken pieces
That lay scattered on the floor
You are the glue
That holds it all together
Your love, alone
Can make it all better
It is to You
That I yield control
The lover and master
Of my soul
It is Your way
That I now choose
And offer myself
For You to use