New Yorkers are kind, but ain’t tryin’ to be nice
Californians seem nice, if not kind
“You betcha” that Northerners both traits unite
Down South you’re called “Sweetheart”, you’ll find

No matter from where fellow travelers have rolled
If you they… the wrong way… do rub
By icy eyes, frigid words or that cold shoulder
Go “Melt ’em with Mercy!” and love

When speed-demons screech waving digits distressing
Or scream at you, leaving you shaken
Dark riders have hitchhiked, so “Blast ’em With Blessings!”
Watch Daytona grace overtake ’em

When leaders slake idols of war, fame or purse
Tempers burst as the nation goes wayward
Go “Free ’em with Fasting!” God’s mercy rehearse
To humble both pray-ee and pray-er

When tempted to bark something rude or wild-eyed
At your child dressed lewd or unkemptly
Then “Mold ‘em, Don’t Scold ‘em!” with love in your chide
You’ll quell a rebellion pre-emptly

If dreaming up zingers for Internet critics
Whose gibes are unbearably biting
“Requite with Politeness!” Raise eyebrows! Be civic
Wits kept will subvert fretful fighting

St. Paul wrote, by kindness, “heap coals on your foes”
In other words, “Melt ’em With Mercy!” 
The cheek that you turn proves a mirror that shows ‘em
They’ve hogtied themselves! (a la Circe**)

“Give enemies love, those who curse and despise you…”
Absurd? Without grace, yes, for sure!
“Pray dearly for folks who abuse or crosswise you”***
Just who would dare say this? Outrageous!
The answer may stun or surprise you…
The One Who was hated and cursed and up-hung
Now tomb-sprung! The soon-to-come Lord

So “Blast ’em With Blessings!”
“Free ’em with Fasting!”
“Mold ‘em, Don’t Scold ‘em!”
“Requite with Politeness!”

In searching
For something
To sum up
Such slogans
The gem to remember…
Is “Mercy!”
*****

NB: “God’s greatest attribute is mercy” (This phrase my college professor encouraged us to write at the top of any test we struggled with!)

*”…if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.” (Romans 12:20 ESV)

**Circe was a goddess who turned men into hogs and other animals in Greek mythology such as in Homer’s Odyssey, where she turned Odysseus’ men to swine on her island of Aeaea

***”But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your cloak do not withhold your coat as well.” (Luke 6:27-29 RSVCE)