No Ill Refrain

There is a time to speak… to not;
recall that blow-up?  What’s it got
you… but increasing stress and strain?
When I’d react, then I’ll refrain.

To think it through is best for all;
deliberation doesn’t brawl.
I’ll count to ten and use my brain
when I’d react… then I’ll refrain.

When I’ve been slapped or feel the red
boil up inside, I’ll pause…  Instead
of striking, ask Did I e’er gain
when I’d react?  Then I’ll refrain.

There is a time to wait… or not;
Postponing?  What’s it ever got
me, but more grief.  Face now that pain:
when I’d react, then I’ll refrain.

_{© MLee Dickens'son 09 Dec 2004}

Kyrielle
 
The Kyrielle was once a very popular French form and dates from the Middle Ages. 
It is a simple form written in quatrains (four lines of poetry) and it includes a refrain (repeat line, phrase, or word). 

It usually has eight syllables per line and most frequently is in iambic tetrameter. 
The accepted popular rhyme scheme is:    a a b B... c c b B ... d d b B etc.  

There is no requirement for number of stanzas. 
 

“What goes around"  
 
Oh, I could choose, or could refrain. 
Each year with you I think again 
that those old songs should now resound: 
"What goes around just can come 'round". 
 
Plastic, 45, the platter 
Used to spin but does it matter 
now re-spun, these words profound 
"What goes around just can come 'round". 
 
We both once danced those 50's songs, 
the parties, proms, the sing-alongs. 
We're both so lucky we have found 
"What goes around just can come 'round".