Phil Zwickler Memorial Poetry Page Archives
Featured Poem - May/June 2009

CONFIDENCE

Sticks and stones do break bones
when thrown or used.
But words don’t cause physical pain.
They cause mental hurt and that leads up to pain.
Everybody has buttons that ignite their violence.
Don’t let those buttons be pushed.
See, we all have a mental bubble
that shouldn’t be tampered with.
The bubble is built up of self-confidence.
Because only you know what you can or can’t do.
And if you like to soup people up,
go ahead, become a magician
so you can amaze, not hurt.

Robert E. Lee
About the Poet

Photo: David Nager/ASCNYC
“The thing about my poetry is that it makes my life feel more significant. Writing poetry has changed me. It’s given me more confidence and made me stronger, which has improved not only my health but also my life. Writing has also made me more tolerant and open to other opinions and perspectives. How you deal with difference and conflict matters. It’s part of your character. ASC’s poetry and creative writing group has provided me with a real comfort; it’s like being part of a family.”

—Robert E. Lee

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