L'esprit de l'escalier.


It would be best perhaps to cut them dead
or walk away with a scarcely hidden sneer
after the cruel things that have been said
belittling something that you hold most dear.

But in the moment the hurt has cut too deep
and the mind closed off, the tongue clove to the roof
of a mouth gone dry, and eyes that need to weep
withheld the bitter tears of their reproof.

No doubt the words will come to you at length;
bitingly harsh, full of impotent rage.        
Just hope that in the end you have the strength
to swallow them and simply disengage.
                 
Take a deep breath, then, though all the while
you betray your instincts with a bitter smile.