THE ROOT OF WISDOM II

       If you’d be wise, then you must cultivate
       Compassion for all creatures, great and small,
       For wisdom shows one over-arching trait,
       A God-like generosity toward all.

       Though sometimes you may face a paradox
       And find you must be cruel to be kind,
       Or act as subtly as a wily fox,
       Do so, but keep your purity of mind,

       For there are many ways one may betray
       A trust or compromise integrity,
       And lacking wary vigilance may stray
       Beyond the limits of due sympathy.

            It’s folly to forget all that we owe
            To others’ loving kindness as we grow.

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