On the Attack

They say although I've been offended
I ought to keep me cool
It's easy to preach forgiveness
not being in those shoes
still I know that I'd regret it later
and that's the only thing that holds me back
otherwise you can rest assured
I'd be on the attack
to take the higher road and not explode
that sounds like good advice
I'll do my best yet nonetheless
some questions will arise
like "what am I supposed to do about
the place inside that's screaming for revenge
the place that says it's weak to
turn the other cheek and let it end?"
if I call to mind the countless times
I've nearly blown my top
it was the thought of future fallout
from my actions that made me stop
because it isn't like I'm living in a world
where I can make another bleed
and never have to deal with
the consequences of that deed

after all the difference between
being a human being and an animal
is a choice I make
sometimes I have to dig so deep
just to control myself and then wait until
I've cooled out so I can carry on

well I can be be the bigger man
and walk the other way
or I can be a tyrant
and surrender to my rage
still I know that I'd regret it later
and that's the only thing that holds me back
otherwise you can rest assured
I'd be on the attack