Covetousness

It had not occurred to me until this late day, But now it comes with sobering reflection. When a dear one is ill or hurting in some way We act with compassion and without question. We make a visit, send flowers, or pen verse. Our humanity tells us that’s entirely right. But what if circumstances are the reverse? What if our friend has won a great fight? Perhaps he or she has earned a big raise Or received an award held in high esteem. Do we give with like passion earnest praise Or is covetousness apt to turn us green? It is cynical to declare the latter is the story, Yet too often our conduct proves it true. Shower congratulations on others’ glory, And the same will likely come back to you.