It seems there is
plenty
of free-floating
anger surrounding us.
Anger that fuels
domestic acts of violence
against women &
their children
who did nothing to
provoke such angers,
yet they are there to
be hurt,
perhaps even killed
because some persons
cannot
or will not try to
control their
frustrations or
powerlessness
in the face of this
unforgiving world
we inhabit.
Free-floating anger
seems to lurk
in the minds of those
who perceive
that others are restricting
their freedom.
Blinded by years of hooded
hostility
and underlying
racism,
they are ready to
convert late night
fun-filled outings
into hostile
encounters
between young men
& women
who believe that guns
& violence
resolve all
misunderstandings.
When adrenaline
levels rise,
opponents are ready
to rip each other
apart at the
slightest provocation,
real or imagined,
in this world filled
with indifference,
blind to basic human
needs.
This free-floating
anger is not privy
to the young and
inexperienced,
it has been known to
surface among
adults & seniors.
Perhaps it’s the
cumulation
of many frustrations
or,
having to accept the
reality
of a diminishing
life,
unrestrained.
Anger is witnessed
at supermarkets,
doctors offices,
restaurants and
roadways.
Whenever people feel they
have been
underestimated,
disrespected or ignored,
passions flourish,
outrage breaks out,
age does not matter,
gender does not
matter;
not even beliefs or
social status
make a difference
Free floating anger:
Is it sleep
deprivation,
fatigue, excess stimulants,
unresolved social
issues,
helplessness,
sufferings from long
ago?
If we identify our
angers
and so desire, we can
take charge
of our attitudes
& impulsive
acts of violence.
If we listen without
judging,
we can overcome our
own intolerance
and share an
encouraging word that
will help open the
door
to different
solutions,
leaving behind
unnecessary anger
& violence.
We need to know that
we have a choice,
we need to know that
to walk away
from possible outrage
is not an act of
cowardice,
rather, an act of
courage.
Free-floating anger,
beware of
free-floating anger.
(c) Mildred Santiago 2015
