DEVICES AND DESIRES

A LATTER-DAY SONNET FROM GEORGE HERBERT

Left to my best devices and desires,
I seek for that to which my soul aspires,
As intuition guides me toward my goal
Of growing generous, compassionate and whole.

But when I’m clouded and distracted by
Things of this world, I all too soon deny
The subtle promptings of my inner guides,
Forgetting where true joyful peace resides.

Things of this world, however, still prevail
For I live in this world where I must fail
Perforce, and ill devices and desires
Invade my mind igniting lustful fires.

Yet that’s the challenge of this Earthly vale:
To conquer lust and gain the Holy Grail.