Knock on a million doors,
and ask each man if he is good.
Be not surprised by the multitude
that qualify for sainthood.

If all it took was a man’s own word
the quarries would be emptied
building statues in their honor
on the corner of every street.

But many men who say they’re good
are at fault for quarrels and wars
and allow their addictions to run rampant
while they ignore the hungry and poor.

Just as the wisest of men
knows that he does not know,
so the best of men will answer you
with a firm and resolute “no.”

Keep record of your faults
don’t lie just to impress,
and tread carefully in the company
of the men who would answer “yes.”