Virtues-2022 October

 
Virtues (2022 October)
 
We rarely hear, in the media,
Or even homes or schools,
About the virtues. Those who dwell
On these are seen as fools.
 
And yet, throughout our history,
However torched with grief
From humans harming humans, these
Were part of our belief.
 
What substitutes for decency—
For being of help when needed,
For being honest, diligent,
Attentive, brave—and patient?
 
Knowledge helps—and ignorance
Impedes, but wisdom’s art
Consists of seeing deeper, through
the “sights” of mind and heart.
 
It does not matter “who” we are—
Our “races”, faiths or creeds—
The wealth we have or lack of it.
What matters are our deeds—
 
And also words—that issue from
The feeling and the thought.
Our words and deeds are shaped by these,
Informed by what we’re taught,
 
Combined with “instincts” that we have –
Capacities within—
That grow, as we discern and act,
And lead to “good” or “sin”.
 
******
 
Fear and anger, love and hate,
Fairness and compassion—
Hunger in its many forms,
And greed and lust and passion—
 
These rise from drives and feelings that
We all possess—and need.
But there’s a range and balance, which
We each should sense—and heed.
 
When anger lasts and turns to hate,
Or hunger turns to greed—
When fear becomes anxiety, then
It’s time to pause the “feed”.
 
Awareness of ourselves is what
Is often dulled, neglected.
What others “are” should also be
Discerned—and then respected.
 
And that is where a discipline,
That’s gentle, serves as well.
This helps to curb excesses, when
We’re deaf to the warning bell.
 
An infant throws its tantrums. So
It gets, perhaps, its way.
An older child should realize
That others too have say.
 
And here again, the virtues, which
Were listed at the start,
Can guide us in the words and deeds
That come from mind and heart.
 
2022 October 11, Tue.
Brooklyn, New York