*****

Recorded Reading (3:27): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8s54gw8hjjvb8eb7vwd3p/Career-or-Calling.mp3?rlkey=vwfcyuf328i0gei7jhdo8yld2&dl=0

*****

Career or Calling

Some careers we undertake
For money or for status’ sake
And for such ’tis fine to be
Working automatic’ly
Each decision with an eye
To what it gets us by and by
Eliminating what does not
Result in something may be bought
Or some award which can be shown
And thus enhance what we will own
At some anticipated date
Results will well remunerate
All our present sacrifice

Then will we give our sage advice
For a most inflated price
Smiling in the interview
Sweet renown hath brought us to

Those not careers, but callings, know
Navigate a diff’rent flow ~
Every day of these must be
Addressed by us passionately
Decisions made with purpose to
Deliver benefit unto
All of those affected by
Results for which we ceaseless try
And for which we sacrifice
Counting neither gain nor price

Few awards are given to
Those who’re dedicated to
Missions larger than their own
Acquisition, all alone,
Of money and of earthly pow’r
Shored up in some lonely tow’r
Snug against the anxious hour
We fail by negative review
Satisfy our masters to

Those with callings must report
Successes of a diff’rent sort ~
Financial prospects dimmer glow
Paychecks inadequate grow
In the face inflation of
While we’re serving divine love
Which is offered from the heart
Yearning but to do its part
For struggling humanity

Who follow callings may not be
Paused to calculate what gain
Comes to us for relieving pain,
Minist’ring to poverty
Or shaping our society
By our accountability
Clear consciences unto

Far fewer reporters be
Pursuing as interviewee
Those who point up glaring flaws
In our mores and our laws
Reminding how fortunate be
First World dwellers such as we
In face of all the suffering
Behind each luxurious thing
Which those with mere careers may buy

(Acquiescing to the lie
Ever seeking to excuse
Our single nation for the use
~ Let’s call it what it is: abuse ~
Of resources becoming few)

Of callings, the pursuit may mean
A tiny home, possessions mean
And constant lack of luxury
Those with careers successful see

Small ordinary energy
For callings inadequate be ~
Unless their passion be with you
From waking, your next sleep unto,
Never will you make the grade
Keen commitment soon will fade
Leaving you without resource
Then, to readjust your course
Back toward that mere career

So ~ on priorities be clear
Deciding down which path to go
Consider well, honest and slow
Be sure you most securely know
High calling you indeed are destined to

*****

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

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