From Bitter to Better

The Power of Forgiveness, part 2 (Lyrical Breakdown)

"Electra, what did you mean when you said you think about revenge but you don't act on it?" Audrey asked. "You sang your song to me, and that one part really stood out. Can you explain it?"

"Of course," Electra replied. "It was a concept that a friend showed me back at Alfea."

Flashback to Season 3, episode 14:

Electra stomped her way into the room. She could feel her blood boiling. Her face turned bright red and her hands were clenched so tightly that she could feel her nails digging into her palms.

However, amidst her feeling the rage, Electra could hear Bloom talking through the wall. There was something different about her voice that made her think.

"But before we split up, there's still one thing we have to do together," Bloom said flatly.

Electra knew what Bloom was thinking. Get revenge on Valtor! she whispered to herself. It was as if she read Bloom's thoughts, but, unlike her, she was determined to get rid of Valtor immediately. Why isn't she saying that she wants revenge? She's just thinking about it. However, her thoughts were interrupted when Alysha came in.

Alysha saw Electra and was worried.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, concerned.

"No, it's not okay," Electra replied angrily. "Valtor kept the Omega portal open on purpose. Tecna is gone, and it's all because of him! He needs to pay for his mistakes!"

"We don't know that definitively. Trying to lash out at him too quickly is a bad move. Remember what Natalie said before? Think about hitting back, and you'll hit back too soon."

"I don't care! I just want to give Valtor what he deserves and rescue Tecna!"

"The latter part we can do together, but the first one has to take time."

"Honestly, Alysha, aren't you the slightest bit annoyed by what happened?"

"A little."

"See? You know how I feel right now. I'm going to go. Valtor needs to be taught a lesson!"

Time skip to the end of the episode:

Electra talked with Bloom before the two girls were called to the office.. "I was so eager to get revenge on Valtor," she said. "I heard you girls talking about it and I was waiting for you to voice your opinion, but you didn't say you wanted revenge. You just thought about it. And when you and I attacked Valtor, I was boiling over with rage and acted on my desire for vengeance. You tried on your thinking about it but failed to act on it. How is that?"

"It's a characteristic of mildly passive-aggressive people," Bloom replied. "It's normal to have thoughts of revenge. But it's wise to not act on them because revenge isn't always the answer."

"But where I came from, I was trained to be aggressive and demand revenge."

"I used to be like that, but Flora and Aisha pointed me in the right direction. I owe it all to them. Now let's go. Headmistress Faragonda is waiting for us."

End of flashback

"It took me some time to realize what she was saying," Electra said. "But now I know she's right. Aggression and hating to lose are not what makes a patient fighter. It's patience and a love of winning that makes a patient fighter."

"So how do you handle thoughts of revenge?" Audrey asked.

"I acknowledge them, but I don't hold onto them. I remind myself of my new mindset and strategize for next time. I even made a poem. Want to hear it?"

"Sure."

Electra recited her poem:

"Phase 1: regret
I feel the anger start to rise
All my emotions like the shifting tides
One moment I'm fine, the next I'm not
Why is my temper boiling hot?

I was raised to hate to lose
And that was the mindset I had to choose
But looking back now, I feel regret
For letting my vengefulness go unchecked

Why did I hate it when I lost?
I guess I never counted the cost
Because in my heart, I vowed one day
That when I lose, I'll make them pay

Why didn't I think before I act?
I should've waited for the right time to attack
I give good advice when I teach
But I don't practice what I preach

Instead of acting hastily
I should have thought more carefully
Letting revenge be a lighter
Is not what makes a patient fighter

Phase 2: reflection
Here in this moment, I have a confession
I admit I still have some aggression
But now, after thinking it through
I know just what I have to do

I took it upon me to write this poem
And after I'm done, maybe I'll show them
The things I have learned after every loss
And I can show revenge who's boss

Losing hurts, I will admit
And at first I was sick of it
I put patience on the bench
And executed my revenge

But now I finally realize
That it is better to strategize
Than for me to act the fool
And potentially lose my cool

Let the losses mold and shape me
For victory comes in the waiting
Let not revenge become my lighter
As I become a patient fighter

Phase 3: strategy
That's exactly what I'll do
I'll take the time to think things through
That way I can retrace my steps
And make it a priority to plan ahead

I won't let anger get in my way
From developing a good strategy
If that means delayed action
Then that will bring me satisfaction

I'll take my time and slow it down
To plan ahead for the next time around
No longer will I demand payback
Instead, I'll plan the next attack

I'm still a little angry, I must admit
But I'm starting to control it
If being patient is my goal
I have to practice self control

So when I face severe defeat
To vengeance I will not retreat
Let patience be the sole desire
I will be a patient fighter

Phase 4: determination
Now the time has finally come
The final battle has begun
I'm going to give everything I can
As I execute my plan

If I fall down and suffer loss
I'll get back up and dust myself off
And even though I might feel rage
I'll let patience take center stage

Every loss has molded me
And now the truth has made me free
The best form of payback
Is waiting for the right moment to attack

I knew deep down he needed to pay
But the voice in my head said "Not right away"
So I chose to follow that route
And now this is my battle shout

To love to win is a great thing
So now with new-found strength I sing
No longer is revenge my lighters
I've grown to be a patient fighter

Phase 5: resolve/new mindset
Goodbye anger, so long revenge
Hello to strength and confidence
Farewell to inner pain and rage
Now patience is on center stage

No longer do I hate to lose
Because all my anger is diffused
I will leave the past behind me
No longer do I let it define me

I count every loss as a lesson
And every victory is a blessing
When I lose, I will accept it
And any thoughts of revenge will be rejected

I may think about getting back
But I know to wait for the right moment to attack
I learned to cherish the victories as I go
But do I hate losing? Heck no!

I love to win, not hate to lose
This is the mindset that I choose
I won't let vengeance be my lighter
Because now I am a patient fighter"

"That was beautiful!"

"Thanks. Now let me show you another thing that can help you release any anger directed towards yourself."