Sniper

Subversive techniques are for cowards. Those that speak plainly and loud are better off.

Shoot your arrows from the dark
putrid justifications
play out vindications mark.

I know your techniques
No, you're not so smart
They're not so unique. 

So proud of your wit

into your veiled trap

victims tightly knit

Gather your advocates
aptly using distant judges

Their vantage points

are flawed and weak

used to entrench

your grudges

You cunningly smile,

While by design,

Words behind whispers,          

mission meant to malign.

Give them

knowing looks

that could fill

thick black books

Serve

alienation

designed for

humiliation

and

Cold silence

as your

able weapon

Cryptic remarks
give off nasty

stinging sparks

All for cowards to

hide behind

Author's Note

This has been something I have wanted to write for a while, especially after spending time in my wife's world of theater. There are many that are apt at these skills in that world.

Like a maniac shooting
flaming arrows of death
is one who deceives their neighbor
and says, “I was only joking!”

Without wood a fire goes out;
without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to the inmost parts.

Reviews

[Revery]

This is three months old. It still churns fresh.

[Emerald Seas]

Excellent topic, G.
I think the message is clear and applies to many situations we face in life. Gossip is a horrible device. As Catholics, we are taught that gossip is a mortal sin, as part of penance it is a necessity to apologize to the person offended with a thorough truthful offering of what was said - preferably in person. I'm sure we are all guilty to a degree (myself included), but when I recognize my behavior this is one topic that eats at me until I have rectified the situation to the best of my ability.

Grammar natzi :) could comment on a few corrections in the spelling/words of the poem... but over all well written with a thought provoking message.

[Revery]

Thank you for the great review Sirrah. Love you points and I concur. Please private message me the grammar correction. I always need serious help in that area. I can do matrix calculus with ease though. lol

[Emerald Seas]

Will do :) And... you can keep the calculus - I have enough headaches

[rivers]

Need to acknowledge this well written poem even if I can only type with one hand. By the author's comments it has a basis in theater but for this reader it goes far beyond that and feels deeply rooted into reality. We have all experienced cowards in many forms. Executing personal agendas through spoken, written and implied words. Words that would never be spoken face to face, actions contrived and calculated for dramatic effect from the shadows. Supported and propped up by other cowards of the dramatic cliques. Misery likely loves company in shadows where gossip reigns without dignity. Cryptic speak chosen over honesty...
Thanks for your honesty revery...the message is loud and clear and needs to be read. Thanks for keeping it real in the theater of life!!!

[Revery]

Thank you Harlon, hope your feeling better everyday.

[Robbie~xoxo~]

This is intriguing! I believe this relates to the world of theatrics (each playing their part), Except the reality is a deeper underlying truth to this piece. You have expressed the disapproval of a coward's behavior...all that is "putrid justification"/ "used to entrench your grudges". I am at awe with your vision in this! Touche'! Great write!

[Revery]

Thank you so much for the excellent review. In reality we are all forced to play these games to some degree but I lose respect for people who make it a way of life.

[Rhea752]

THAT. WAS. AMAZING!!! i absolutely loved the message the vocabulary the flow. i can't really say i like one stanza the best because they are all brilliant. into the library this poem goes!! :D

[Revery]

Thank you Rhea, to have eloquence to expose these types is a valuable defense. Thank you for your review, glad you enjoyed.