in truth
there are consequences
i
integrity is the force
of gold
in this world it is
rare & little
understood
if you possess
even a filament of it––
beware
who are you
to protect
the truth?
do you know it?
do you think
so?
do not hold on
to the nubbins of your nails
for your ego’s
sake
ii
humanity is a cooperative
venture
yet you cannot trust
your brother––
you are alone
& no one will accept your
currency
did it comfort you
to imagine
that countries provided equal
justice or societies practical
kindness?
if they ever did,
they don’t
iii
do the good
as best you can––
as best your heart
tells you––
as best you can
know
evil-incompetence-
selfishness (one terrible thing)
is
not ashamed to
act
nobility is forged
in suffering
& maybe
in this world or
the next,
or the next,
grace exists in discernable
amounts
or maybe
not at all
except
within you