A Little Advice
You’re No Punching Bag
I’m sweet when it suits
But better when I’m bitter
A lack of etiquette
Leaves something to remember
Like smoke rings and cigarettes
Snow flakes in December
Tedious tête-à-têtes
Details no one wants to remember
Black eyes and soft kisses
Embarrassing moments
Full swings and near misses
From worthy opponents
Too hot to handle
Not easy to please
Burning both ends of the candle
Trying hard not to sneeze
Abuse and affection
Are kept hidden inside
Only a suggestion
Don’t let them see you cry
Stand firm and take notice
Don’t let your guard down
The cost is atrocious
And the damage, profound
Smile on the outside
The inside will catch up
I learned in the landslide
When’s the best time to jump
So, take it from me
This advice ain’t always free
But I sure guarantee
The lessons learned aren’t pretty
Make up your own mind
Just watch for that right hook
It’s just a matter of time
You should be aware of the look
About the Creator
Kelli Sheckler-Amsden
Telling stories my heart needs to tell <3 life is a journey, not a competition
If you like what you read, feel free to leave a tip, I would love some feedback
Find me on twitter @kelli7958958
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Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insight
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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More stories from Kelli Sheckler-Amsden and writers in Poets and other communities.
A Dart at Dusk
Seconds ago, the sullen sun set on the two of us… my exuberant furry companion and me. A fresh breeze embraces us, delivering welcome relief from the day’s oppressive heat. His typical stumbling and staggering along — apace with a sloth — has turned into trip-trapping, high-stepping, almost skipping along.
By Angie the Archivist 📚🪶7 days ago in Petlife
Comments (20)
Nice poem!
This was excellent and a well-deserved Top Story!
Great rhyme in this! Congrats on Top Story!
Loved your poem - so cleverly done. Congratulations on the Top Story, too.
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Love your rhyming stream of consciousness!!! Congratulations on Top Story too!!!❤️❤️💕
Love this rhythm here so bright and honest
I've seen this. So hard to escape sometimes.
Congrats on the TS.
All of this was amazing but the first two and last four lines were just marvellous. Powerful poem! Congrats on the Top Story!
Those last four lines, Kelli...
Wow! It's such an emotionally driven piece. "Smile on the outside, the inside will catch up" is an inspiring quote. Congratulations on making it a top story. Well done and well deserved!
Stunning. Stunning. I'll say it again for emememphasism. Stunning, Kelli! Love the confidence and power of this! Well done on a fine fine Top Story!
I had a really vivid picture in my head through this. For some reason, set in the 1920s...
Reclaiming your power; loved it!
This is great! Seriously well done
Whoaaaa, sooo powerful! Mic drop!
Wow. This is excellent, Kelli.
Quite the description of various feelings.
Just wow!! You have written my insides.