Reason A. Poteet Poet Rispetto

On Envy and Sincerity

Envy, a character trait which I despise,
develops when pride appears on the forefront.
It happens to one who comes to realize
his apparent influence has become blunt.

Envy's cousin, distrust, considers in sooth,
enemy's lies, distortions which blur the truth.
Its main rebuttal is to blame or to bluff
and to measure one's best self as not enough.


Sincerity, a quality I adore,
is the paradigm of the unpretentious.
It is best when accompanied by candor;
I respect a person who's conscientious.

But what of men who are genuinely wrong?
They embrace thoughts, words and deeds ever so strong.
Ponder one, the seriously, sincere Saul
who at last met peace as the apostle, Paul.

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Susan Ashley November 1, 2025 at 10:09 AM Dear Reason, you have penned a potent contrast between the emotion of envy and the characteristic of having sincerity. Too much envy, and not enough sincerity, does not make for a peaceful, respectful society. Wonderful thought-provoking poem. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Paula Goldsmith October 23, 2025 at 9:20 AM What a powerful write you have here. Love This One... "Good Luck" If for a contest. I wish you would write more... Have a fun day writing away.............. Reason A. Poteet October 25, 2025 at 7:17 PM thank you Paula. there are many topics which I could have chosen. Really what I hate the most in our world today is the deception, lies, deliberate misquoting someone else's words to reflect badly on them... Have a great day tomorrow and every day afterwards - writing and reading at Poetry Soup.