Outgrow Taking Your Due

Outgrow Taking Your Due!

Far too many people I know
forget all that will show
when they insist their way.
Though others may not say,
one's selfishness is clear
if preference is more dear
than the shared consideration.

It requires some maturation
to put others' needs first.
But much emotion can burst
if one even mentions it...
especially if the shoes fit.

They say that to walk a mile
in another's shoes, no guile,
will teach you of that life.
Each of us can reduce strife
if we'd nurture compassion.
Too bad it's not in fashion.

It's far more stylish, so hip,
if from fancy wines we sip...
whining about poor taste,
and how life's some waste,
unless we are well treated.
By greed are most heated.
Selfish fires of one's will
are most difficult to kill.

Society teaches us to assert
our rights no matter a hurt
it may breed in close others.
We have far too few brothers.
We have identity but no soul
whenever self is the main goal,
and that self becomes isolated.

To neither extreme we're fated,
so finding balance is life-long.
Certainly isolation is wrong.
Each of us need others to grow.

And by each interaction we know,
if we choose to look, then see,
the person type we choose to be.

Do we insist our point of view
before or after other's their due?
Can one be giving, as well taking,
or is barter some virtue forsaking?
If we insist being treated fair
how can that prove that we care?

For our pride we seek equal term,
and on social principle are firm,
by which ourselves to thus prove.
But by this does society move?
If everyone jockeys position,
applause only balances derision.

Selfishness is reciprocated.
Thus by ourselves we are baited
into a cynical disappointment
with what society has to us lent.

If, however, beyond pride grown,
selfless actions to one do loan
a satisfaction never else found
save by and to oneself it's bound.
From oneself is claimed reward.

To heaven goes a treasure hoard,
instead of fleeting social glory,
whenever we cherish another's story
and leave our own needs behind.
Only in such charity are we kind.

Only by giving are we truly living!

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