This is a reflection on anger, written in villanelle form, inspired by a challenge from DVerse as well as by the difficulties that I have had in my life with expressing all types of emotions. Often I try to ignore or squash anger, thinking it is bad and frightening, but that only makes it stronger and scarier. Anger is like a fire: It can be scary when misused, but it can also be helpful.
For too long I’ve been loath to let it in:
I’d feared its heat, its size, its strength, this fire —
Yet anger has been framed. It is no villain.
Emotional health under construction:
The spectrum of emotions is entire;
For too long I’ve been loath to let it in.
The Scriptures say “Be angry; do not sin,”
To hide anger away makes God a liar,
For anger has been framed. It is no villain.
Engaging in a fight I’ll never win:
Anger is angry, and it does not tire
Until I open up to let it in.
It teaches and it gives motivation,
It will not burn up as a funeral pyre,
For anger has been framed. It is no villain.
Anger is a part of being human.
It wishes to be seen and be brought higher.
For too long I’ve been loath to let it in,
Yet anger has been framed. It is no villain.
