*****

Recorded Reading (2:57): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ozyrn3i5dvwp83fndbzkl/In-Service-of-the-Greater-All.mp3?rlkey=rd9q4el9s0fr09jtkqb08u6km&dl=0

*****

In Service of the Greater All

The minute comes, it will not wait
For us inwardly to relate,
In each meticulous detail,
What serves the situation well

Whether or no we feel inspired,
From us reaction is required —
The crucial moments fleeting pass
Nor doth one but an instant last

What do we then? How do we know
Which way to turn, which way to go,
Results of which we will be proud
When time for thought’s again allowed?

We have but time put to the task
One speedy inner question ask
To which a one-thought answer be —
Here’s what that question is for me:

“Is this reaction for the best
Of self alone, or for the rest
As well — all the participants
As much as possible enhance,

As, certainly, it must be shown,
Full as important as mine own?
Am I creating order here,
Or promulgating further fear?

Am I seeking, as would be wise,
The situation neutralize
Rather than hollow vict’ry know
By which others in sorrow go?

Although perhaps imperfect, ay,
Is what I am about to say
A miserly and pinching dole,
Or wholeheartedly for the whole?

Am I placing small interests ‘fore
Those truly interested more,
Or have I sufficient respect
As close to harmony to get

As loving sacrifice allow?
Speak I in recommending how
Such harmony by all be won
Once but by willingness begun,

Or do I but the ether taint
With petty and useless complaint,
Unleavened aught constructive by?
Is’t to destroy, or build, I try?”

If they can pass this inner test
The words I’ll offer are my best —
At times others may fail to see
How much my best that best might be

Sometimes of it they later learn,
But that is not my own concern —
Mine is to have planted a seed
Perhaps they will water and weed

Though my words of generation
By such instant meditation
Sometimes be considered odd,
I know that I spoke for God

This is the difference between
Good bound’ries and just being mean —
If, on the instant, wish to grab it
We must make it daily habit

Even should fate’s winds come to blow
In pieces all we think we know,
In our conviction we’ll stand tall
In service of the greater all

*****

This poet presently lives at a fraction of her nation’s poverty level.

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