Humility in the face of glaring shortcomings
With the pride to act like they don’t mean a thing –
Gratitude for a gift, whether earned or not,
Though envy ensures they can get it themselves –
Charity for those crippled by themselves or the world
Feeds greed for security, that your legs buckle, but break not-
Chastity in the face of fruitless temptations
But a lust to remain ever-active, thirsting for production –
Temperance in resting the busy mind
While gluttony for fullness gives cause to rise –
Diligence clears the head in times of strenuous pressure
Until lets sloth lie them on the grass and enjoy it, too –
Deal with patience the man not born to lead
But with wrath should he claim to hold that mantle still-
For the leader is the best and worst of us
So that they know the best and worst of us
And lead us equally, without blindness
In these times of willful gouging –
Though let us be honest, nowadays
Who knows who they really are or are among –
Even a leader?
And so the flaws are scattered, exaggerated,
Praised rather than controlled –
And the sheep run wild with horns like spears
And pierce the sides of friend or foe –
Whomever they fear be a leader.
Morning's Early Dark 