Anger Management: I Have a Theory
What is it I wonder
sometimes, about anger
that makes my brain turn cold?
What makes the flowery thoughts I have
wither die and get shoved out
by venomous thorn–clustered hands?
Barely enough dexterity have they to hold
pen crayon marker forget typing.
And then sometimes I wonder
what it is about a given situation
that can really—spark my ire.
Especially I wonder
in the moment it happens and
for more reasons than to understand.
You see, I kind of think I can diffuse situations
when I know what gets my goat.
If I could do this, then I could continue clear-headed
in the midst of troublesome situations, and
pray good thoughts for those upsetting me.
I need just one magical formulaic collection of thoughts
to sing to myself or chant and get back
to the rhythm of my happy rhetoric again.
Done right, these thoughts will come next time
before things, and I, get out of hand.
©2009 by Shari Lynne Smothers
Photo by Kemic Alan Smothers
Shari Smothers on 
Stacy Floyd on 
