Humble and Proud

The world is filled with glorious wonder,

If humble or proud, I am torn asunder.

My cup rises to overflowing at the brim,

To wash away any lingering residue of sin.

I feel humble to see an infant smile,

They give of themselves without guile.

I admire those who achieve old age,

I feel proud they still grace life’s stage.

Childhood stars always filled me with awe,

Humbled by the luminous visions I saw.

Grandpa always smiled at my little demands,

Feeling proud if he took hold of my hands.

I feel humble when I see others succeed,

To achieve according to their need.

I feel proud when I behave as dutiful,

Our lives are short; but can be beautiful.

The light under your door an invitation,

You reach out to my humble station.

You said you leave a key under the mat,

While I feel as proud as a lonely cat.

As a kid, I felt humbled to sit in church,

Proud to hang by legs from a tree-top perch.

Mama scolded me: brush my teeth, wash my face,

I felt humble and proud of her loving grace.

I am proud to say I never keep others waiting,

Time is precious, no need to others baiting.

I am humbled that others arrive on time,

A rare occurrence that I treasure as mine.

At times, my day dreams make me feel humble,

Like a mirage, they appear, dazzle then crumble.

But the work accomplished makes me feel proud,

A rightful pride that makes me happy is allowed.

In my travels, I felt humbled by friendliness of strangers,

Amazed by their kindliness amid worldly dangers.

Proud to be a part of different languages and cultures,

Humbled to be among them and not among vultures.

For the loved one, always hold open the door,

Love’s humility gives and receives so much more.

If there arises at times conflict and discord,

Be not too proud to give way, strike the right cord.

With our enemies, a gentle touch may often surprise,

When in their pride, they expect no compromise.

Humility draws upon the power of the sea’s tide,

To neutralize all hostility and wash it aside.

Keep all our promises and betray no trust,

Fulfill all responsibilities as we know we must.

Life seems a mountain that we need to climb,

We can do it by being humble, proud, and kind.

(c) John Herlihy November 2018