Ode On Old Virtues Ii

Let me not play tuneless in today's time, Some purists sure get praised as Gandhian, Yet, crass nevertheless is no more crime, Old values are hailed may be in heaven. Whilst weighing values for the weathered time, Let's mull on old saying: Thou shouldst secure Safe income ere vouchsafing virtues pure; So, wisdom weighs more than values' old chime. At few places virtue may be chief good. Some go for health, power, or reach for riches, Or honours, a touch of pleasure pleases, Heart has no heart in virtues, head wears hood. Confucius with a list of values came When values valued were at very core, Many did talk of this out-of-fame dame, But they managed to confuse all the more. Holy cows when at a premium are sold, Poor virtue as a species goes nigh rare, In a world that today wallows in gold, Old values get wiped out by this black mare! A quiet virtue may conquer world's good, Yet, virtue's prayers in silence are said Nowhere are heard just as Lao-tse laid; And clueless, confused I retire to brood. Near home, digging unto our ancient text— Mahabharata, a huge storehouse of lore, And in today's times knee deep in context— The epic failed to define virtue's core. Yet, there seems but one thing to me nigh clear: Virtue and vice, all else on death when fails, This twain alone survives the soul when sails, So let me virtues cheer and vices fear! Or in today's times going in top gear, I should my virtues fear, my vices cheer! ________________________________________ 16 June 2021 For 'Jaundiced Eye' Poetry Contest Sponsored by Unseeking Seeker