Those 'Tit-For-Tat-I'M Gonna Pay You Back-Spats' Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I've experienced it.
I've witnessed it,
A countless number of times.
I've seen some put up with it.
And pretend that it did not exist.
For 'them'!

I've observed this being done...
And did not quite understand,
How could someone do harm to another...
And not expect a reprimand?
Or a reproval with a pay back...
Making sure 'that' pay back stands!

Hoping that an escalation,
Does not get out of hand!

I have learned as I grow 'wiser'...
AND checking looks on faces,
To determine 'if' I am aging gracefully!
Multi-tasking!
Yes...
Multi-tasking is 'key',
To catch those quick glimpses!

I have learned...
And 'this' needs repeating!
I have learned,
To leave a fool to do fool's business!
AND,
When I was left alone...
After this lesson taught,
I wondered to myself if the person who said that to me...
Was making a point I did not quite understand?
'Then'!
But I sure get the jest of it now.

Today?
I do the best I can not to raise an eyebrow!
Or play those 'tit-for-tat-I'm-gonna pay you back-spats',
Types of games!
I am much too old for that!
Unless...
I am provoked to expose my skills?
And 'then'...
Of course,
One never knows 'which' one...
Will be called upon to be used.
Not to abuse!
I wish to make that clear.
Not at this...
'Nurturing of love' stage of life!
But applied 'if' necessary to use.
And 'then' used right!

Discretion is always a factor....
When 'all' elements of repercussion,
Begin to fill a maturing mind!
With vivid imagination.
Especially when one reaches,
A certain...
Let's say,
Enlightened state of being
Preferred!
And is surrounded with a peace of mind...
Free of desires to want to deal with fresh BS!
Although the concept and temptation,
May tease with an invitation!