IN PRAISE OF THE VIRTUES

In praise of what?

Life is a challenge

In which the worse

Compete with the worse

Where dreams are broken, 

Shattered; lay gasping on 

the ground. Good intentions

Are mocked, shocked

And ridiculed. The virtues?

You must be mad.

Are you sad that the world

Is harsh and ruthless

Sad, man!? I am broken

of heart. I am old, retired

My life’s a mess. Is there a future?

Yes, it’s dim and ill-focused

Yes, I praise and am grateful for

The virtues. They give focus to my existence

Giving cause for me to experience

Hope and joy. Yes, my life can be

Dull and grey. Yes, money is a challenge

How far can you make it go?

The sun shines. The wind is cold.

It’s winter. What do you expect?

Yes, I praise the virtues. Define them,

As you wish. Gratitude, patience, tolerance

To name a few; add to that breathing

Waking each morning; going to sleep each night

The simple wonder and glory

Of being alive; and having things

To hope for.