Pride: Perspective

Valedictory victory of the kindergarten class,
remember that the greatness of your glory soon will pass.
I'll come along in first grade, and I'll force you to salute;
if I should reign 'til second grade, why that would still be moot.
For no one will remember the rank in which we rate--
other matters matter more when we all graduate.
And if a Tiffany window should adorn your palace bright,
may it remind you of the leaves that dabble in the light.

Pride: The Penitant Poet

Do these sweet winging words condemn their flight?
Had they yet bowed beneath repentant load,
the words could not have been that which they showed.
Even as sharp longing turns toward keener sight,
the lofty thoughts inquire of their right;
by mind's ascent shall will's long climb be slowed?
Do these bright visions shine a guiding light,
or do they lure me off the narrow road?

As now and then, we climbers pause to see
our footprints on that long and spiraled path,
then with redoubled strength renew our climb,
so must the poet pause to do and be,
with eyelids closed to hold their salty bath,
to find the place of penitence in rhyme.