-- The Vice of Virtue --

John Herlihy

To look with mercy on the conduct of others a virtue;

To look with contempt on failings on one’s own a vice.

To ignore one’s own lies and deceit we gladly eschew;

While any mercy we offer others at the whim of dice.

We are quick to accusation, hold others in contempt;

While ourselves we archly hold always in high esteem.

We rob, cheat or steal, even if we know what we meant;

At our lies and treachery, we know not what we mean.

To give to the poor from our plenteous coffers a virtue;

To hoard for ourselves an excess of wealth but a vice.

To misunderstand the tragedy of their need we eschew;

Let them fend for themselves, at the whim of the dice.

If you look closely, you may find unexpected virtue;

If not closely enough, you may find unexpected vice.

- - - - - -

(c) John Herlihy 5 October 2019.