Altruism

I am a selfish person.
I do not like that trait in myself, 
But I know it is there,
Lying dormant until such a time,
As I may be refused something
My heart may desire.

I cannot correct it, not entirely.
I cannot banish it to some shelf hidden away
From which it cannot creep forward, again
When my wants are not fulfilled.

I can only chastise myself
For my feelings of self-interest,
While I force myself 
To feel,
To say,
To do
What I know in my heart
Is the right and honorable thing.

I tell my ego:
“Be silent.  Be still. I will not hear you.”
But those whispers of Want
Never fully take leave
Always leaving behind their
Traces of resentment and hurt.

I have learned…
Only time heals the 
wounds of my will
And the knowledge that God
Steers my heart in the proper direction.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Salehi Avatar
March 8, 2016 at 6:17 PM
You are very lucky Jan, that God will direct you toward proper direction. I am completely lost. I have no idea where the ... I am going. Call me, may be I can hear you.
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