THE HYPOCRITE

I like to think I’m better than I am,
Disguising my covert deficiencies
And posing as a meek and gentle lamb
With no internal tiger to appease,

With nothing but pure generosity,
The soul of selfless kindness, giving care
To those in need with scarce a thought for me,
As far from egotism as despair.

But, truth be told, I shamefully confess,
The god I serve is what makes me feel good;
If that serves you as well, I’m happy, yes,
So long as who comes first is understood.

Is there, I wonder, such a compromise
In both of us, more than we realize?

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