Retaliation Poem
This poem invites us to pause and reflect on how we respond when we are wronged by others.
Updated December 16, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer
Retaliation speaks to moments we all face, when hurt feelings or unfair words tempt us to strike back. The poem reminds us that putting others down, spreading harm, or seeking revenge never brings lasting peace. Instead, it shows how these actions often leave deeper wounds, both for others and within ourselves.
Through thoughtful lines and honest insight, the poem encourages a better path, one guided by respect, kindness, and self control. It reminds us that choosing love and compassion, even when it is hard, strengthens our character and helps create a more caring and respectful world.
Retaliation
Poet: Arthur Franklin Fuller
He that knocks and runs away
May live to knock some more next day —
But he who slanders in the open
May live to wish he had not spoken.
Some take vengeance through the law,
While others use a mighty paw —
But the meanest bully takes a crack
At helpless folk who can't fight back.
He that gluts his soul with "fun"
Can squander money by the ton.
None mourn nor worry where it went to,
What use the seller's funds are bent to —
Neither feels accountable
To his neighbor, friend or foe —
But the street-man's ways must keep in line
With saints' and sinners' judgment fine.
Sweet Spirit of love and tenderness —
Gentle ministrant of Mercy's dower —
To the selfish thou must e'er remain unknown —
The ruthless crush thee down as flowers full blown;
O hapless hour when on this earth
Some foul animus gave mean birth
To thy disgraceful counterfeit
Which all mankind should scorn and hate.
Ne'er let the day dawn on my sight
That sees me shorn of sense of right —
Nor let me hold by chance, or strength, or stress,
A thing I would not have all men possess;
For envy, thoughtlessness and scorn
Make full many a life forlorn —
Distrust and selfishness remove
All thought of Charity and Love.
Key Message in this poem:
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Retaliation brings regret
The poem shows that open slander and harsh actions often lead to sorrow and wishing words had not been spoken.
-
Bullying is the lowest form of revenge
It points out that the meanest retaliation is directed at those who cannot defend themselves, revealing weakness rather than strength.
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Lack of accountability harms society
When people act without care for others, ignoring responsibility, trust and fairness begin to break down.
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Love and mercy are easily crushed by selfishness
The poem mourns how compassion and tenderness are often ignored or destroyed by ruthless behavior.
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True character is shown in restraint
Holding on to a sense of right and fairness matters more than winning or taking advantage of others.
-
Envy and selfishness damage lives
The closing lines remind us that thoughtlessness and scorn remove charity and love from our actions, leaving lives empty and broken.
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Overall message:
The poem teaches that choosing integrity, compassion, and self control over retaliation protects both our character and our peace, and helps build a kinder world.
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Conclusion
Retaliation leaves us with an important reminder that how we treat others speaks loudly about who we are. When faced with unkindness or unfair treatment, the easier path may seem to be striking back. Yet this poem gently points us toward a wiser response, one that values respect, self control, and compassion. By choosing not to return harm for harm, we protect our own peace and keep our values intact.
As you reflect on this poem, let it encourage you to pause before reacting and to choose kindness whenever possible. Each small decision to act with love rather than revenge helps shape a better day, not only for others but for ourselves as well. In choosing charity and respect, we take a step toward a more thoughtful and caring way of living.
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