Self-Correction

Self-Correction

When anger grows, I tell myself, “Stay cool!”
But then self answers self: “Go fuck yourself!”
He who gives in, they tell me, is a fool—
When anger grows. I tell myself: “Stay cool!
Tranquility must be your golden rule!
Put other motivations on the shelf
When anger grows!” I tell myself, “Stay cool!”
But then self answers self: “Go fuck yourself!”

–Tom Riley

Undying Enmity

Undying Enmity

 

All your enemies seek to pretend
That their actions weren’t meant to offend,
Let alone to attack.
Let your anger go slack?
You should not. Instead, let the lies end!

 

—Tom Riley

Angry

Angry

 

 

Sometimes, guy, though you wish to spew spittle,
You must rein in your anger a little.
Though you want vengeance bad,
though you’re boundlessly mad,
God does not care one jot or one tittle.

 

 

–Tom Riley

De Ira Marissae

De Ira Marissae

 

 

(for Marissa Amador)

 

 

The wrath of Mrs. Amador descends–
and all the stubborn earth recoils in dread.
The ordered orb that foes relied on ends.
They face an all-reordered orb instead.
And which of them can hope to go ahead
under the crashing thunder of her ire?
In a brief count of seven, all have fled
the atmosphere of overarching fire.
To wield such wrath myself I don’t aspire,
Marissa: in my heart, I couldn’t trust
my motives, though a condescending choir
of angels cheer me on: “You must! You must!”
You go ahead, though. I’d be terrified–
except you know I’m always on your side.

 

 

–Tom Riley

De Ira

De Ira

 

 

Up in anger I stand – and it’s just,
My wrath’s rise. In my anger I trust.
I shall rage without pause—
But I won’t state the cause:
It’s a subject that can’t be discussed.

 

 

–Tom Riley