Offended, Or Offender? Poem by Mandie Casey

Have you ever felt angry, without knowing the reason why?
Have you ever felt heartbreaking sorrow, without a reason in the world to cry?

Do you ever feel bitter towards someone about things they said that aren't true
Just because things were spoken, doesn't mean they were meant to hurt you.

It’s easy to get offended about the smallest things in life
And only if we let them, do they pierce us like a sharp knife.

The power over our feelings, is ours to wield or surrender.
It's up to us to discover that we, ourselves, are the offenders.

Knowing this small fact and understanding, it is the difference between night and day.
Those who utilize the knowledge of both, live their lives in a much happier way.

Those who take the 'easier' road by blaming others for their woes,
Will forever be unhappy, for they are their OWN worst foes.

So who will you decide to be? What path will you choose to take?
Will you open your eyes and see that your happiness is at stake?

Will you be one of the offended, or will you discover the offender in the mirror?
If you stop to really think a minute the answer should be crystal clear.

Although this truth is hard to face, it will open a lot of doors.
Be happy if you want to be, the power to change it is yours.