Amplify what peace we find within

We are half god, half chemical machine;
Our spirits soar, our feet stuck in the mud.
Of course, we’re trying to avoid the crud—
More useful is a conscious, full deep clean.

We’re selfish—saints and sinners just the same.
Desire for food and sex, sloth, envy, wrath;
The last of seven that impede our path
Is pride: the crowning glory of our shame.

There’s no pretending our motives are pure.
But introspection and acknowledgement
Can shine a light that helps us to prevent
Doing harm, while we seek a deeper cure.
No matter what you feel, attention should
Align your actions with the highest good.

— JJM = #11 in the I Ching Sonnet Project

Adele Aldridge