The Daily: 19 February 2025

wisdom traditions

as soon as you speak
of purity and greatness
we know your words
for poor absolution
defense for the lives that you stole
a wise man would not 
create god in his image
all violence and self-absorption
a wise man would not
look to the stars 
locating the center of gravity
under his feet
a wise man would not
claim he knows the answer
when he will not deign
to ask the question
a wise man would not
rule from his petty purview
proscribing paths he can not see
a wise man would not
claim purity
in this multitudinous being
would not 
want greatness
at the cost of isolation
a wise man
would see the world
and know his place within it
so you speak
claiming wisdom
and we hear the false notes
you are only fooling yourself
and we are taking back our lives