Witness

What need is there for pity in pursuit
     Of one's own happiness? We may not all
     Have everything that's needed to forestall
A place among the truly destitute.
For many, life is like a sour fruit
     That turns before its time, consigned to fall
     Ungathered to the ground, beyond recall.
When witnessing, we must be resolute
In our regard for those who manage well
     With less of everything that makes for ease.
         No virtue of our own, no quality
That we possess can ever quite dispel
     The knowledge that in order most to please
         Ourselves, compassion's a necessity.


©2016 Michael Fraley




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