Defensive and Attacked

Don't always think you're being attacked, rather feel
that it's observational, so don't be on the defensive;
how often words are misconstrued like being rude,
give some leeway - you might be in a better mood.

I lived in the apartheid regime, used to snide remarks,
water on a duck's back, not bothered about black marks,
sticks and stones may break bones, words never hurt me,
stored in my armoury, dormant for future use mon ami.

Compliments are so easy, we accept them graciously,
don't hit back with so-called point-scoring continuously,
in fact, you'll be more regarded with mystique one kind,
not sure what to say, they don't know what's in your mind.

So avoid being fooled in future - the words were not a ploy,
what was that - someone said: 'Watch your mouth boy!'