EGO’S WAY

“Whatever I most want or need to do
Without respecting its effect on you
Or what you want or need or would prefer,
Most often is my choice, and you demur.

Such is the way of heartless selfishness,
An attitude affection would redress,
But my affection favors only me
Since I have stifled loving sympathy.”

So speaks the conscience of the egotist,
Though arrogance soon makes that voice desist
For willy-nilly ego has its way
Despite what fellow feeling wants to say,

And day by day it hardens its own heart
Until its mind and soul lie far apart.

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