Boiling Point

The month of August has arrived, and I’m moving along on my quest to post a blog daily. I challenged myself to this intense post schedule. I have used the year 2021 to explore the various forms of poetry. This month I decided to write Proverbial forms of poetry. I will pick a proverb, a short common saying, and use it to create a poem in whatever direction the Muse chooses to lead me. However, you must remember we are talking about Word Daddy here. My Muse isn’t dependability or inspirational.  He often leaves me high and dry when I need his help the most. Apparently, Proverbials have no particular rules. I will try not to sound cliché. My next attempt to write a Proverbial Poem, I will call Boiling Point.

Boiling Point

“Beware of the anger of a patient man,” is an old Irish proverb. I believe it goes hand in hand with the American urban saying, “Don’t poke the bear.”

Boiling Point

Water left boiling on the stove

The pressure cooker of pain and desire

Waiting for the right moment to explode.

Patience is a virtue, or so they say

A blessing is hidden in that treasure trove.

But it’s wise not to stand too close to the fire

When a patient man’s patience is about to erode.

It’s best to step out of the way

When poking a bear in the middle of his sleep.

The stick you used will never be long enough.

The pads of your feet are not quite enough to creep

Because a poked bear can be very tough.

Suppressed anger is easy to erupt,

When pots boil over and a bear wakes up.

The consequences are so abrupt,

Prepare yourself for a dramatic blowup

The mess is made and there’s no time to placate,

An angry bear with simmering hate.

Who is Molly Shea?

Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh.  To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.

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