Refuse The Bait (Revised) Poem by Margaret Alice Second

Sitting where Victor Frankl was before me
where Richard Wurmbrand has also been
many long years, knowing the kind of pain
they suffered staying calm and civilised in
the face of great provocation, I'm glad and
sad at the same time

Faced by institutionalised crime, watching
arrogance reaching its prime - condoned
and approved by weak managers who don't
take responsibility for their decisions, not
held accountable for anything; makes me
sweat blood and tears, the ultimate test

of my moral fibre; follow Frankl's example,
choose to be well-mannered in the face of
vile actions perpetrated on those I respect
and honour, spiritual growth indeed, might
break my heart - or make me stronger if
I refuse to take the bait or lose my calm…