What Really Counts
A temporary pain near the tip
of a foot
Has for days demanded my total
attention,
As if it were the center
of my being.
In fact, when I think about it
enough,
It takes its place at the center
of the universe.
Diversions failed. How about thinking
of a better place?
Pain hung on as a little clarity
got through.
There’s lasting hurt and hurt
that passes.
Real need and and petty
desire.
Truth be told, the rest of me
is doing fine,
I’ve even dodged a couple
of recent bullets
That could have done me
serious damage.
I concentrated on the world
around me,
And saw the forms of real hurt and need,
And the glib posers dressed in
the finery,
Or the fake rags
of self interest.
We better figure out what’s temporary
And what’s lasting,
Or we’ll all be limping.
Permanently.
Charles Neff, 8/16/11
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Be always safe,
Karen