Set boundaries
which cannot be crossed
These must remain
And ever made plain
Against such
No intimidation
no emotional blackmail
can then ever prevail
Author notes
Written September 2nd, 2004
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1 - 25 of 25
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Thanks for the applause, Colin! Nothing to 'worry' about here, if you read the earlier comments and my clarifications you'll see this is just a reminder to stand on your principles in the face of attempted manipulation and coersion.
Many people play games of emotional blackmail...how many are immune to it?
~ G
P.S. The opening "set" is a verb, by the way, not an adjective.
Everyone has to set limits, draw the line, on how much control they are willing to allow others to have over them, right?
Edited on Jan 02, 1:59 because 'added clarification'. -
phew gen i am worried by this one ...you open with "set" is the poet sayins th e mindset is already closed " cannot cross " "nothing can prevail" is see a determination here which is not usually evident in your writings ..what ever happened to your open mind lol but this is obviously a personal issue i wil not get into
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Ditto Duana
some preach
some teach
and some you must set limits...
Perfection
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witrhout rules life becomes chaos, the cosmos fluxes eternally with this rule
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Thank you, Martooni I don't tend to come up with my best when it has to be new, and before a deadline. I appreciated the subject of your contest though.
~ G
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very good advice, maatkara, and well written, too. not exactly the type of philosophical discourse i was looking for, but definitely good food for thought
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Of course, whims! That's a 'given'. I thought I had clarified the obvious variations on that theme (e.g. preceding comment). My point is that if one has no clear idea of necessary boundaries it can cause compromises with detrimental consequences.
~ G
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I tend to think that absolutes are the general which define how deviation will occur. There will always be things which defy them, and always things which build them up. A boundry set in stone could very well be the wall which causes something greater to be missed. ..
Nicely done though..
Good luck in the contest!
~~whims
Edited on Sep 06, 5:16 p.m. because ''. -
I agree with you, silica! You may appreciate this one too:
Rules were made for the guidance of the wise, and the blind obedience of fools.
~ G
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As a rule, I think a rule, is simply set for breaking... but then you see, authority is, is not to my like or taking.
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Yes Duana, but the paradox is that most of us need time and experience to learn what our boundaries need to be, which can sustain our resolve even in extremes. The ability to withstand threats to one's life or livelihood without compromising those boundaries is not something everyone faces (as I have). But to choose to be homeless rather than 'sell one's soul' for material security is something I have done, twice. To trust that integrity will always ultimately triumph, does bring unexpected rewards.
~ Gennelle
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Thank you Onerios Yes, I love that and have quoted it in comments myself, "Keep an open mind, but not so open that your brains fall out". Without 'boundaries' no one can be truly 'free'.
~ G
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Holy ground...
Infinite words of wisdom, Genelle! Boundaries do more than just allow us to care for ourselves. The freedom that comes with knowing our own boundaries leads to love, because love requires freedom. If we feel free to say no, then when we choose to give, we are giving out of love. And in knowing our own boundaries, we can respect the boundaries of others...I loved this poem...this captures the essence and order of our being!
Nicolette
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The 'boundaries' to which I refer are those we must have to prevent anyone from compromising or undermining our principles and individuality.
Well said, Maatkara. I wish I would have learned this as a young person- my life would be quite different now. -
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Brian. Of course you know (apart from that 'devoted servant' quip of mine being a little tongue-in-cheek) that 'serving' someone devotedly, and being a 'slave', are two different things. My son is a beautiful soul who appreciates his mother. Don't most loving mothers cook, wash and clean for their children?
The 'boundaries' to which I refer are those we must have to prevent anyone from compromising or undermining our principles and individuality.
~ G
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I feel that this extremely timely and wise maxim should be included into every meeting that ends with 'Anonymous', lol. And altho I feel that to exist is to be utterly free, I am reminded by this poem that boundaries are also very necessary in order to find your place. For as I once read (somewhere) "Never open your mind so much that your brain falls out." Fantastic.
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Plain and simple.... and extremely effective.
Don -
Dear Brian, I agree with you! I know that in my parents' household I was conditioned to put myself last and accept the opinions of others who had more "authority". Eventually, I did not an question an authoritative tone at all, which led to a world of hurt.
We can't undo the mistakes of the past, except by changing the future. The fine line is to assert oneself without becoming aggressive toward others.
I applaud your honesty!
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I agree. Boundries are important both for children and adults. There are absolutes that should not be crossed. You made your point briefly but strongly.
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p.s.- "devoted servant of a thirteen year old boy" ??? hmmm... I can definitely see this in a parenting context.
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well, I had it completely wrong, but part of that's the contest context, and part is that I've never done this nor experienced a relationship with absolute boundaries... not sure I want too. OK, friendships I guess. I had a friend try to steal a fiance once which was an absolute non-gray area for me, but I don't think that's what you're commenting on.
Getting hit over the head by Peaseeker's and your comments, I can see it, and don't think there is anything missing.
To honestly say something that might lead to my getting bashed, I think the immediacy of this piece is more discernable by women. Not that men can't relate, don't have the problem; but women are more socially conditioned to define themselves in such a way within a relationship that this is problematic. Maybe I'm just a dinosaur.
At any rate, a good concise expression.
Brian
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This is really good! It spoke to me in a sense. Telling me not to let childish things get in my way! Thanks for sharing! This is an excellent piece!
Kayla -
Probably the single most important lesson to learn in life. Good job.
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Oh, thank you Margaret!
I am so relieved it 'spoke' to you in the right way. I was thinking it was missing something, I guess not.
~ G
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Wise
This reminds me of Simon and Garfunkel's "I am a Rock" but in a good way. It is much more direct, it puts a name to one of the great ills of relationships, weak boundaries.
Setting boundaries means knowing who we are, and what we will tolerate. They can be upheld in a gentle and pleasant way, but they remain. Thank you for putting into two short verses what I suffered for two years to learn!!
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