My old friends
Fear, dread and worry
Have regained prominence
In my life’s story
The hard shell
Has begun to crack
From the exertion
Of my phony act
The monster
Under the bed
Of my youth
Is still not dead
My old enemies
Selfishness, avarice and hubris
Continue to guide me
Into the abyss
Of failure
Of neglect
Of uncaring
Of lack of respect
Towards others
As I swim further
Into the delusion
That I am superior
But to what?
Or to whom?
Those who starve
While I consume?
Do I smile
While the unemployed
Cry the tears
That I avoid?
As I step over the puddle
I chant in the mirror
"How great thou art"
While the truth draws nearer
I am not the answer
To love
How could I be
When I place myself above?
What I want
Becomes mine
No matter the ethos
I recognize no line
But I beg of you
Tell me now
Tell me the truth
I want to know how
To live humbly
To give generously
To sacrifice willingly
To serve gratefully
Stripped of pride
I ask to be forgiven
Tell me what I need to hear
I promise
I will listen