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Cruelty amongst humanity knows no boundaries
The web it weaves can ensnare the utmost virtuous
Taunting the innocent with opportune dismay
Empowering the guilty with trials less arduous

It poaches the confidence of assaulted daughters
And teaches them to be vigilant in the shadows
It inhibits the ambitions of disgraced sons
And strips them of a namesake honor to bestow

It diminishes the strength of steadfast fathers
And lures them into an early grave
It tangles the tongues of resilient mothers
And reminds them of how a lady must always behave

It wretches the prudent minds of aging elders
And strips their wisdom of assured securities
It nurtures the latent virtues of newborn babes
And fouls their formative bonds with impurities

Every living being inherits the ability to be cruel
Fostering a hidden potential for mass destruction
Guided by the kaleidoscopic vision of their ideals
Awaiting a fractured moment to reveal its seduction

We walk through this life with luminous choices
Exasperated by the moral dilemma of conscripted blindness
To follow the footsteps of those whose light has diminished
Or stray towards the radiant uncertainty of kindness

The burden of mankind is to be benevolent in moments of despair
A decision we must carefully consider in the matrix of rage
As we weep with grief in the fading memory of happiness
As we learn to forgive in the comforting arms of endless pain

Where one is callous, be compassionate
Where one is cowardly, be courageous
Where one is dishonorable, be distinct
Where one is greedy, be generous

In a world where a sunny day can be marred by fallen ash
In a society where a wayward glance can shut eyes forever
In a life where survival only befits the hungry
In a reality where your dreams may never endeavor

Be proud of your wrinkles, sunspots, and scars
Your graying hair, stiffening limbs, and maturing mind
For you have lived a virtuous life of wisdom and valor
If, in the face of cruelty, you chose to be kind

About this poem

Whether we choose to take responsibility for them or not, our decisions throughout our lives often determine the direction our paths may take us. If the road to hell is often paved with good intentions, then cruel intentions only pave the way for desolate purgatory. Even the smallest decisions can have a ripple effect throughout the trajectory of our lives and those around us. Sometimes, our natural instincts cause us to make choices we wish we could undo in the aftermath of consequence. .. and sometimes, what has been done can never be undone, no matter the suffering it has caused. 

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Written on March 26, 2024

Submitted by ammiemarie on March 26, 2024

Modified by ammiemarie on March 26, 2024

1:44 min read
107 Views

Ammie-Marie Littke

Ammie-Marie Littke is an American writer, songwriter, multimedia designer, and data analyst. Born and raised in southwest Michigan, she learned to love music and literature from the age of 4, adapting the ability to recognize a popular song within the first few seconds of airplay on the radio. She spent much of her teenage youth exploring her creative skills, writing nearly 200 poems and song lyrics between the ages of 11 and 17. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Web Design & Interactive Media from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and an Associate's Degree in Graphic Design Management from Bradford School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She graduated from East High School in Youngstown, Ohio. more…

All Ammie-Marie Littke poems | Ammie-Marie Littke Books

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Discuss the poem Cruel Intentions with the community...

5 Comments
  • alanswansea18
    Well done.
    LikeReply2 hours ago
  • Joshy1987
    Very insightful indeed great job
    LikeReply11 hours ago
  • nicole.musango
    A true reality and great poem
    LikeReply23 hours ago
  • JokerGem
    Very insightful with an excellent conclusion.
    LikeReply1 day ago
  • amandak.45897
    Heart and so much soul, great poem!
    LikeReply2 days ago

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"Poetry.com" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/>.

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