POEMS ABOUT TOXIC PEOPLE
TESTIMONY OF THE DECEPTIVE LADY DRIVER
I front ended a car on a parking lot.
I hit it, I’d say, pretty bad.
I was not looking and I was careless,
and yes, for sure, I sped.
Two ladies came out of the car I hit.
I felt remorseful and sad.
I told them that I was not looking at all,
And that I felt so bad!
The lady I hit called the police.
She was forgiving and kind.
The officer came and took me aside.
He put a NEW thought in my mind.
“If you LOOKED ahead, then it’s NOT your fault,
as you had the right-of-way.”
“Of course,” I said. “I really was looking…”
I just skipped one word, “away.”
My insurance confirmed it was not my fault.
Well, all was good so far.
My car was fixed. I got some money.
The lady… lost her car.
And then… my final day came...
I found myself by the gates of heaven.
Saint Peter asked if I did OK.
“Did you do right by this lady you’ve hurt?”
“No… But I had the right-of-way”.
Saint Peter pointed at the sign, “Rides To Hell”,
and sent me on my way.
I begged, “Oh please! Don’t look at my sins.
Can’t you, pleeeease… LOOK away?”
Currently I’m living in a dark burning place.
One day, Saint Peter walked by.
I asked him, “Why? Didn’t you hear me?
I begged you. Please, tell me why?”
Saint Peter stopped and calmly said,
“I had the right-of-way.
And yes, I heard you, therefore I LOOKED…
I just skipped one small word, ‘away’”.
Dumbfounded I sat on my burning stool,
but my conscience burnt even more.
What comes around goes around.
Oh, how I wish I knew that before!
But who wants to hear regrets and advise
That mainly come from hell:
“Always do the RIGHT THING,
And ALL will be WELL!”
I’d like to humbly add, “Don’t skip words,
be truthful and clear.”
Well, unless you want to
visit me in here. (:-)
Liliana Kohann
©Artpeace Publishing 2.9.2023 7:39
Below are reflection prompts that are designed to encourage deep reflection on the themes of honesty, accountability, empathy, and the moral consequences of our actions. To read, click on grey rectangles.
SUMMARY
This poem tells the story of a woman who caused a car accident because she wasn't paying attention. After hitting another car, she initially admits her fault, but when the police arrive, she lies, saying she was looking (omitting the word "away"). As a result, she's not held accountable and her insurance covers the damage, while the injured lady is not reimbursed for her losses. However, when the lady who caused the accident dies and faces Saint Peter at the gates of heaven, her deceit catches up with her. Despite her pleas, Saint Peter sends her to hell, mirroring her own justification for not taking responsibility. The poem ends with her realizing the importance of honesty and doing the right thing, warning others not to make the same mistakes.
How this poem came to life
On February 3, 2023, I was pulling out of the loading zone of Lowe's store. I was already crossing the empty road, when a distracted lady entered the parking lot from the street. My passenger, Liz, a 70-year-old lady, saw her approaching. Realizing the lady wasn't going to stop, Liz released her seatbelt and jumped onto my lap. Without breaking or slowing down, the lady drove straight into the passenger side of my vehicle. The loud bang and shock was terrifying. I felt a sharp pain in my hips and stomach, yet soon I disconnected from my body. I was thrilled that nobody was killed. I was also amazed that Liz acted so quickly, and protected herself. Would she not jump to my side, she would surely be severely injured as the whole side of the car was bent in. We got out of the car, and the lady was very apologetic. She explained that she wasn't looking ahead but was distracted by the sheds to her right. My body hurt, but I felt detached. I felt bad for the lady because I knew how terrible I would feel if I hit someone due to not paying attention. Liz and I tried to console her.
But then the unexpected happened that hurt me maybe even more. As I described in the poem, the lady changed her story. When talking to the police officer, and presumably her insurance, she omitted the crucial part about not looking ahead. She likely claimed she was looking but didn't specify she was looking to the right, not ahead. She had seemed so nice, caring, and sorry, but then chose to be deceptive. I was deeply hurt and had to deal with my losses on my own. I couldn't understand how someone so nice could switch so drastically. I ended up losing my car, suffered a fractured pelvis, endured a lot of pain, and lost significant income from work. The accident also triggered PTSD. I was in shock and felt paralyzed, unable to ask for help.
As with most of my writings, poetry came to my rescue. It was as if I heard the lady telling the story from her point of view. And, of course, I had to add a touch of humor to the situation. This poem was a gift to me and helped me eventually reach out for help. I ended up going to the doctor and focused on healing my body.
Then, almost a year later, I discovered that my insurance paid for the repair of her car. That was just not right. I have zero anger, zero hate... but I have a huge moral compass and I can't stand scamming car insurances. That's what keeps our prizes going up and up. And that moral compass is what gave me the strength to finally ask for legal help.
But then the unexpected happened that hurt me maybe even more. As I described in the poem, the lady changed her story. When talking to the police officer, and presumably her insurance, she omitted the crucial part about not looking ahead. She likely claimed she was looking but didn't specify she was looking to the right, not ahead. She had seemed so nice, caring, and sorry, but then chose to be deceptive. I was deeply hurt and had to deal with my losses on my own. I couldn't understand how someone so nice could switch so drastically. I ended up losing my car, suffered a fractured pelvis, endured a lot of pain, and lost significant income from work. The accident also triggered PTSD. I was in shock and felt paralyzed, unable to ask for help.
As with most of my writings, poetry came to my rescue. It was as if I heard the lady telling the story from her point of view. And, of course, I had to add a touch of humor to the situation. This poem was a gift to me and helped me eventually reach out for help. I ended up going to the doctor and focused on healing my body.
Then, almost a year later, I discovered that my insurance paid for the repair of her car. That was just not right. I have zero anger, zero hate... but I have a huge moral compass and I can't stand scamming car insurances. That's what keeps our prizes going up and up. And that moral compass is what gave me the strength to finally ask for legal help.
REFLECTION PROMPT
REFLECTION PROMPTS
These prompts are designed to encourage deep reflection on the themes of honesty, accountability, empathy, and the moral consequences of our actions.
1. Personal Accountability:
• Reflect on a time when you made a mistake but were not held accountable. How did that experience impact you and others involved?
• Have you ever faced a situation where you had the opportunity to tell the truth but chose to withhold information or lie? What were the consequences?
2. Ethics and Honesty:
• What does this poem teach us about the importance of honesty and integrity? Can you think of a time when honesty significantly changed the outcome of a situation?
• How do you think small lies or omissions can accumulate and affect your life and the lives of others?
3. Consequences and Responsibility:
• Discuss how the woman’s actions in the poem led to unintended consequences for both herself and others. Can you relate this to any personal experiences?
• What lessons can be learned about the long-term effects of avoiding responsibility for one’s actions?
4. Empathy and Forgiveness:
• The woman in the poem felt remorseful after the accident. How important is it to show empathy and seek forgiveness when you've wronged someone?
• Reflect on a time when you were in a position to forgive someone who wronged you. How did it feel, and what impact did it have on you and the other person?
5. Justice and Fairness:
• The poem discusses the concept of "right-of-way" both literally and metaphorically. How do you interpret this in the context of justice and fairness in life?
• Reflect on a situation where you witnessed or experienced a lack of fairness. How was it resolved, and what could have been done differently?
6. Spiritual and Moral Lessons:
• How does the poem address the concept of moral and spiritual accountability? Do you believe that actions have spiritual consequences? Why or why not?
• Reflect on the idea of "what comes around goes around." How has this principle manifested in your life?
7. Practical Wisdom:
• What practical advice does the poem offer about living a truthful and responsible life? How can you apply this advice in your daily actions?
• Think of a situation where doing the "right thing" was challenging. What motivated you to make the right choice, or what prevented you from doing so?
These prompts are designed to encourage deep reflection on the themes of honesty, accountability, empathy, and the moral consequences of our actions.
1. Personal Accountability:
• Reflect on a time when you made a mistake but were not held accountable. How did that experience impact you and others involved?
• Have you ever faced a situation where you had the opportunity to tell the truth but chose to withhold information or lie? What were the consequences?
2. Ethics and Honesty:
• What does this poem teach us about the importance of honesty and integrity? Can you think of a time when honesty significantly changed the outcome of a situation?
• How do you think small lies or omissions can accumulate and affect your life and the lives of others?
3. Consequences and Responsibility:
• Discuss how the woman’s actions in the poem led to unintended consequences for both herself and others. Can you relate this to any personal experiences?
• What lessons can be learned about the long-term effects of avoiding responsibility for one’s actions?
4. Empathy and Forgiveness:
• The woman in the poem felt remorseful after the accident. How important is it to show empathy and seek forgiveness when you've wronged someone?
• Reflect on a time when you were in a position to forgive someone who wronged you. How did it feel, and what impact did it have on you and the other person?
5. Justice and Fairness:
• The poem discusses the concept of "right-of-way" both literally and metaphorically. How do you interpret this in the context of justice and fairness in life?
• Reflect on a situation where you witnessed or experienced a lack of fairness. How was it resolved, and what could have been done differently?
6. Spiritual and Moral Lessons:
• How does the poem address the concept of moral and spiritual accountability? Do you believe that actions have spiritual consequences? Why or why not?
• Reflect on the idea of "what comes around goes around." How has this principle manifested in your life?
7. Practical Wisdom:
• What practical advice does the poem offer about living a truthful and responsible life? How can you apply this advice in your daily actions?
• Think of a situation where doing the "right thing" was challenging. What motivated you to make the right choice, or what prevented you from doing so?
what people say
This poem is a thought-provoking piece that cleverly intertwines themes of honesty, accountability, and the moral consequences of our actions. The narrative is straightforward yet impactful, depicting a seemingly small act of dishonesty that spirals into significant repercussions. The poem's use of the "right-of-way" as a motif is particularly effective, serving as both a literal and metaphorical device to explore the idea of taking responsibility.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of irony. The twist where Saint Peter mirrors the woman's excuse to justify her damnation is both clever and harsh, underscoring the idea that our actions and justifications have deeper moral implications than we might realize. This irony drives home the message that dishonesty, even in seemingly trivial matters, can have profound and far-reaching consequences.
The poem also offers a moral lesson that resonates on a personal level. It reminds readers of the importance of integrity and the ethical duty to own up to one's mistakes. The final stanza, with its direct advice to always do the right thing and not skip words, serves as a powerful reminder of the value of truthfulness and clarity in our interactions.
Overall, the poem is a compelling narrative that engages readers through its relatable situation, moral clarity, and ironic twist. It effectively encourages self-reflection on our own actions and the importance of maintaining honesty and integrity in all aspects of life.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of irony. The twist where Saint Peter mirrors the woman's excuse to justify her damnation is both clever and harsh, underscoring the idea that our actions and justifications have deeper moral implications than we might realize. This irony drives home the message that dishonesty, even in seemingly trivial matters, can have profound and far-reaching consequences.
The poem also offers a moral lesson that resonates on a personal level. It reminds readers of the importance of integrity and the ethical duty to own up to one's mistakes. The final stanza, with its direct advice to always do the right thing and not skip words, serves as a powerful reminder of the value of truthfulness and clarity in our interactions.
Overall, the poem is a compelling narrative that engages readers through its relatable situation, moral clarity, and ironic twist. It effectively encourages self-reflection on our own actions and the importance of maintaining honesty and integrity in all aspects of life.
THE BLAMER
The Blamer keeps blaming everyone
For things that went wrong in his life.
His neighbor, his brother, and sister,
His dog, his boss, and his wife.
The Blamer knows always the best
What people will say or do.
Nothing is ever his fault.
He’s always righteous and true.
He has the right to accuse, of course.
It was his birth given right.
And so he goes on blaming everything
Except his own Ego and Pride.
LILIANA KOHANN
©Artpeace Publishing 7.17.22
The reflection prompts encourage introspection and critical thinking about the themes of responsibility, blame, and interpersonal dynamics presented in the poem "The Blamer."
SUMMARY
This poem "The Blamer" explores the behavior of a person who habitually shifts blame onto others for the problems and difficulties in their life. It portrays the Blamer as someone who refuses to accept responsibility for their own actions or circumstances. Instead, they accuse various people and entities around them—family, neighbors, pets, bosses—always finding external reasons for their own failures or frustrations. The poem highlights the Blamer's sense of self-righteousness and his inability to see his own ego and pride as contributing factors to his behavior. Overall, it critiques the destructive pattern of blaming others instead of taking ownership and accountability.
REFLECTION PROMPT
REFLECTION PROMPTS
1. Personal Reflection:
• Have you ever found yourself blaming others for situations or problems in your life? Reflect on a specific instance and consider why you reacted that way.
2. Identification of Patterns:
• What patterns or behaviors does the Blamer exhibit in the poem? How do these patterns relate to situations or people in your own life?
3. Accountability vs. Blame:
• Think about a recent challenge or setback you faced. Did you take responsibility for your role in it, or did you find yourself attributing blame elsewhere? How did this impact the situation?
4. Understanding Motivations:
• What might motivate someone to consistently blame others instead of taking responsibility? Consider factors such as ego, fear of failure, or a desire to maintain a self-perceived image.
5. Effects on Relationships:
• How might the Blamer's behavior affect their relationships with others, as portrayed in the poem? Reflect on how blaming tendencies can impact trust, communication, and mutual support.
6. Self-Awareness and Growth:
• Reflect on strategies for fostering greater self-awareness and accountability in your own life. How can recognizing and addressing personal shortcomings lead to personal growth and stronger relationships?
1. Personal Reflection:
• Have you ever found yourself blaming others for situations or problems in your life? Reflect on a specific instance and consider why you reacted that way.
2. Identification of Patterns:
• What patterns or behaviors does the Blamer exhibit in the poem? How do these patterns relate to situations or people in your own life?
3. Accountability vs. Blame:
• Think about a recent challenge or setback you faced. Did you take responsibility for your role in it, or did you find yourself attributing blame elsewhere? How did this impact the situation?
4. Understanding Motivations:
• What might motivate someone to consistently blame others instead of taking responsibility? Consider factors such as ego, fear of failure, or a desire to maintain a self-perceived image.
5. Effects on Relationships:
• How might the Blamer's behavior affect their relationships with others, as portrayed in the poem? Reflect on how blaming tendencies can impact trust, communication, and mutual support.
6. Self-Awareness and Growth:
• Reflect on strategies for fostering greater self-awareness and accountability in your own life. How can recognizing and addressing personal shortcomings lead to personal growth and stronger relationships?
What people say
In my opinion, "The Blamer" is a poignant and insightful poem that effectively critiques a common human tendency: blaming others for one's own shortcomings and difficulties. The poem vividly portrays the Blamer as someone who deflects responsibility onto everyone and everything except themselves, highlighting the destructive impact of such behavior on relationships and personal growth.
What stands out to me is how the poem captures the psychology behind blaming—whether it's driven by ego, fear of failure, or a desire to maintain a facade of perfection. By personifying this behavior, the poem makes it easier to recognize similar tendencies within ourselves and in others around us.
Moreover, "The Blamer" doesn't just condemn; it invites reflection. It prompts readers to consider their own habits of assigning blame and encourages a shift towards accountability and introspection. This, I believe, is its greatest strength: by challenging us to examine our attitudes and behaviors, the poem offers a path towards greater self-awareness and personal development.
Overall, "The Blamer" serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of taking ownership of our actions and their consequences, fostering empathy, understanding, and healthier relationships in the process. —Scott Johnson
What stands out to me is how the poem captures the psychology behind blaming—whether it's driven by ego, fear of failure, or a desire to maintain a facade of perfection. By personifying this behavior, the poem makes it easier to recognize similar tendencies within ourselves and in others around us.
Moreover, "The Blamer" doesn't just condemn; it invites reflection. It prompts readers to consider their own habits of assigning blame and encourages a shift towards accountability and introspection. This, I believe, is its greatest strength: by challenging us to examine our attitudes and behaviors, the poem offers a path towards greater self-awareness and personal development.
Overall, "The Blamer" serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of taking ownership of our actions and their consequences, fostering empathy, understanding, and healthier relationships in the process. —Scott Johnson
NATION OF ACCUSERS
The Nation of Accusers
Accuse everyone.
Accuse out of hate,
Or simply, just for fun!
I wonder what would happen
If only for one day,
Instead of blaming others,
They’d thank, forgive, and pray.
Maybe then they would notice
The things that they CAN do,
And how the pointless blaming
Hurts them. And me. And you.
And focus on making a change.
Replace blame with activity.
Oh, how great it’d be to live
In the Nation of Proactivity!
LILIANA KOHANN
©Artpeace Publishing 7.26.2022
Summary
Sure! The poem "Nation of Accusers" critiques a society where blaming others is a common habit, driven by hatred or for amusement. It imagines what would happen if, instead of blaming, people chose to thank, forgive, and pray for just one day. The poet suggests that this shift in attitude would help people recognize their own capabilities and the harm of pointless blaming. The poem advocates for replacing blame with proactive actions, envisioning a more positive and productive "Nation of Proactivity" where people focus on making positive changes rather than pointing fingers.
reflection prompts
REFLECTION PROMPTS
1. How does the poem characterize the behavior of accusing others? What emotions or motivations drive this behavior according to the poem?
2. Imagine a day where you replace blame with expressions of gratitude, forgiveness, and prayer, as suggested in the poem. How would your interactions with others change? How might your own mood and outlook be affected?
3. The poem suggests that focusing on personal actions and constructive activities can lead to a more positive society. Reflect on a recent situation where blaming others may have been tempting. How could you have approached it differently by taking proactive steps?
4. Consider the concept of a "Nation of Proactivity" proposed in the poem. What would such a society look like? How might individuals contribute to creating this kind of environment in their communities?
5. Think about instances in your own life or in society where blaming others seems prevalent. How might adopting a mindset of proactive action and personal responsibility improve these situations?
These prompts encourage deep reflection on the themes of accountability, positivity, and constructive behavior as presented in the poem.
1. How does the poem characterize the behavior of accusing others? What emotions or motivations drive this behavior according to the poem?
2. Imagine a day where you replace blame with expressions of gratitude, forgiveness, and prayer, as suggested in the poem. How would your interactions with others change? How might your own mood and outlook be affected?
3. The poem suggests that focusing on personal actions and constructive activities can lead to a more positive society. Reflect on a recent situation where blaming others may have been tempting. How could you have approached it differently by taking proactive steps?
4. Consider the concept of a "Nation of Proactivity" proposed in the poem. What would such a society look like? How might individuals contribute to creating this kind of environment in their communities?
5. Think about instances in your own life or in society where blaming others seems prevalent. How might adopting a mindset of proactive action and personal responsibility improve these situations?
These prompts encourage deep reflection on the themes of accountability, positivity, and constructive behavior as presented in the poem.
what people say
In my view, "Nation of Accusers" offers a poignant commentary on a prevalent aspect of human behavior: the tendency to blame others rather than taking responsibility or fostering positive change. The poem effectively highlights the consequences of a culture driven by accusation, portraying it as harmful not only to those accused but also to the accusers themselves and society at large.
I appreciate how the poem contrasts this negative behavior with the transformative power of gratitude, forgiveness, and proactive action. It challenges readers to consider the impact of their own actions and attitudes, suggesting that shifting towards a mindset of personal accountability and constructive engagement can lead to a more harmonious and productive community.
"Nation of Accusers" serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, self-reflection, and proactive behavior in fostering a healthier and more supportive societal environment. It encourages readers to think critically about their own contributions to interpersonal dynamics and societal issues, urging a shift towards positivity and meaningful action. —Steve Johnson
I appreciate how the poem contrasts this negative behavior with the transformative power of gratitude, forgiveness, and proactive action. It challenges readers to consider the impact of their own actions and attitudes, suggesting that shifting towards a mindset of personal accountability and constructive engagement can lead to a more harmonious and productive community.
"Nation of Accusers" serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, self-reflection, and proactive behavior in fostering a healthier and more supportive societal environment. It encourages readers to think critically about their own contributions to interpersonal dynamics and societal issues, urging a shift towards positivity and meaningful action. —Steve Johnson
Could this poem improve political approach in our country? And if yes, then how?
The poem "Nation of Accusers" offers insights that could potentially improve political approaches in the USA by shifting the focus from blame and accusation towards constructive engagement and responsibility. Here’s how it could be applied:
1. Fostering Civil Discourse: Politicians often engage in blame games and accusatory rhetoric. The poem encourages a shift towards respectful dialogue and constructive criticism rather than personal attacks. This could lead to more productive debates and policy discussions.
2. Promoting Accountability: The poem emphasizes personal responsibility and proactive action. Applying this concept in politics could mean politicians focusing more on solutions and accountability for their actions rather than deflecting blame onto others.
3. Encouraging Collaboration: Instead of partisan bickering, the poem suggests working together towards common goals. Politicians could focus on finding areas of agreement and compromise, fostering a more cooperative political environment.
4. Inspiring Leadership: Leaders could embody the qualities of gratitude, forgiveness, and prayer mentioned in the poem, setting a positive example for their constituents. This could inspire trust and confidence in leadership, leading to more unified and effective governance.
5. Addressing Issues Constructively: Rather than merely pointing out problems, the poem encourages proactive problem-solving. Politicians could focus on actionable solutions and initiatives that benefit the country as a whole, addressing issues constructively rather than assigning blame.
In essence, applying the themes of personal responsibility, constructive action, and empathy from the poem "Nation of Accusers" could lead to a more inclusive, productive, and collaborative political approach in the USA. It encourages a shift towards a culture where politicians prioritize the common good over partisan interests and work towards building a more proactive and positive nation.
—Jack Brady, student
The poem "Nation of Accusers" offers insights that could potentially improve political approaches in the USA by shifting the focus from blame and accusation towards constructive engagement and responsibility. Here’s how it could be applied:
1. Fostering Civil Discourse: Politicians often engage in blame games and accusatory rhetoric. The poem encourages a shift towards respectful dialogue and constructive criticism rather than personal attacks. This could lead to more productive debates and policy discussions.
2. Promoting Accountability: The poem emphasizes personal responsibility and proactive action. Applying this concept in politics could mean politicians focusing more on solutions and accountability for their actions rather than deflecting blame onto others.
3. Encouraging Collaboration: Instead of partisan bickering, the poem suggests working together towards common goals. Politicians could focus on finding areas of agreement and compromise, fostering a more cooperative political environment.
4. Inspiring Leadership: Leaders could embody the qualities of gratitude, forgiveness, and prayer mentioned in the poem, setting a positive example for their constituents. This could inspire trust and confidence in leadership, leading to more unified and effective governance.
5. Addressing Issues Constructively: Rather than merely pointing out problems, the poem encourages proactive problem-solving. Politicians could focus on actionable solutions and initiatives that benefit the country as a whole, addressing issues constructively rather than assigning blame.
In essence, applying the themes of personal responsibility, constructive action, and empathy from the poem "Nation of Accusers" could lead to a more inclusive, productive, and collaborative political approach in the USA. It encourages a shift towards a culture where politicians prioritize the common good over partisan interests and work towards building a more proactive and positive nation.
—Jack Brady, student