Vanity

There lives a silent evil deep within Which once was locked inside Pandora's box Now said to be the "father of all sin" And one's denial is it's paradox Abiding in us all, though well disguised Once caused an angel's fall from God's sweet grace When there are times it goes unrecognized A mirror will reveal it's hiding place Yet even in admitting it exists We yearn to feel that superficial glow For deeds of man which crumble in time's mist Then feed the fire that burns self-serving souls It often hides as false humility But ash and dust know not of vanity by Daniel Turner

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Panagiota Romios

Date: 4/19/2023 4:52:00 PM

Daniel,,,good one, plenty of false faces on. site. Not only that, mean as all get out. It’s amazing the masks people wear. Let. Me know..what type of sonnet this is, please! Thanks Pangie

Daniel Turner
Date: 4/19/2023 5:03:00 PM

Thank you, Pangie. It is a Shakespearean sonnet. ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.

I Am Anaya

Date: 4/19/2023 3:40:00 PM

I agree with Connie Marcum Wong, God rest her soul. This nothing less than brilliance. Egos don't end there, Sir Daniel, ultra egos, demi god's! A sonnet to treasure. May I fave it?

I Am Anaya
Date: 4/20/2023 4:03:00 PM

sometimes AI changes what you are typing, my phone anyway, haunting me boo!

I Am Anaya
Date: 4/19/2023 4:29:00 PM

That was weird, I'm using my phone...I faved it!

Daniel Turner
Date: 4/19/2023 3:45:00 PM

Thank you, Anaya. You mean have it? You may use it however you choose, as long as you leave my name at the bottom. I appreciate your kindness and support.

Margarita Lillico

Date: 3/4/2023 12:26:00 PM

Agree with Emile, she said it! Bow to the King ;)

Daniel Turner
Date: 3/4/2023 1:00:00 PM

Throw money! Throw money. LOl Thank you, Maggie:)

Emile Pinet

Date: 7/17/2018 10:32:00 AM

This is a skillfully crafted poem that dives deep, probing the human psyche. We all have egos and pride and sometimes they work to our detriment. Emile.

Daniel Turner
Date: 7/22/2018 1:50:00 AM

Thank you, Emile, and yes we all have some vanity. It's always a pleasure when you visit. Hoping you are well:)

Pandita Sietesantos

Date: 7/15/2018 10:21:00 AM

I'm taking lessons from your excellent sonnets on how to write one!! You're the King! Sometime or another, we're all guilty of vanity; and while I guess it's part of our human nature, it's good to keep it in check :-)! Hope your weekend is fantastic, my friend! Hugs and love. Pandita

Daniel Turner
Date: 7/16/2018 1:39:00 AM

Hello sweetie. Thank you Pandita. I am an amateur, but if you can learn anything from my humble offerings, feel free. I think I learn something new each time I write one:) It is hot here. I did not think it could get any hotter but then your icon appeared on my screen. lol Hope you are having a wonderful weekend:)

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 7/12/2018 8:19:00 AM

Wow! Another winner! A perfect sonnet! <3 Kim

Daniel Turner
Date: 7/15/2018 12:15:00 AM

Thank you so much, Kim. I'm glad you liked it. Hoping you are well:)

Paul Callus

Date: 7/11/2018 2:19:00 AM

Another excellent sonnet, Danny, both technically and in content. Impressed by the reference to "false humility" in the striking end couplet. // Hope you are keeping well, my friend. Regards // paul

Daniel Turner
Date: 7/15/2018 12:14:00 AM

Yes, Paul. I am well, thank you for asking, how about yourself? Who doesn't love a little pat on the back, right:) It is always my pleasure, sir.

Jerry T Curtis

Date: 7/7/2018 9:08:00 AM

No Truer words were ever spoken---the only down side was as a young man knowing this fact inhibited me from many accomplishments, nothing would last, so why do them, But after many years, I have realized that it's not about what I achieve for myself. It's what I can accomplish in others. Very well done Dan

Daniel Turner
Date: 7/7/2018 12:37:00 PM

Thank you Jerry. Deeds done in true humility are not self serving. It's when we look for that pat on the back that gets us in trouble. Hubris is every man's weakness, for who doesn't love to be praised. Although I have never met you in person, I have read many of your poems. You don't seem to be the type who is hunting for a pat on the back. i always enjoy your friendly visits, Jerry.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 7/6/2018 4:17:00 PM

Brilliant, Daniel, just brilliant! : )

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 7/13/2018 5:13:00 AM

I am doing better...learning to walk well on my new knee Daniel. Thank you for asking. I hope you are well too? ; )

Daniel Turner
Date: 7/7/2018 12:29:00 PM

Thank you, Mrs Connie, Wonderful to see you again. How are you doing? I know you haven't been well. Take care:)

Silent One

Date: 7/3/2018 12:55:00 PM

Great sonnet with a true message... I do not care for vanity... humbleness is the key to life....

Daniel Turner
Date: 7/5/2018 12:10:00 AM

Thank you S1. Nice to see you again. Vanity has many faces. If you comb your hair, brush your teeth, etc... that is a type of vanity. Each of us has some vanity, otherwise you would not like yourself. (IMO) Hoping you are well my friend.

Sandra Haight

Date: 7/1/2018 9:49:00 PM

Such a beautifully written Sonnet that offers food for the soul and much to think about for the mind, Daniel. A Fav for me! Sandra

Daniel Turner
Date: 7/2/2018 10:54:00 AM

Thank you Mrs Sandra. So wonderful to see you again. Hoping you and yours are well:)

Vladislav Raven

Date: 7/1/2018 5:18:00 PM

Hi Daniel, an outstanding sonnet from your golden pen. One can lose oneself in the words of your message. Your wonderful poetry is ever growing Daniel. Soar in the stars and let your words fall golden onto the page. I hope i can stay for a while Daniel. This Sonnet belongs in my faves. Have a wonderful week ahead. Your friend always....Mike.

Daniel Turner
Date: 7/2/2018 10:53:00 AM

Thank you, Mike. I always appreciate your kindness and look forward to your visits:)

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/1/2018 2:41:00 PM

I came looking to see a new poem from you. Let me know when you have one, Danny! Happy July 1. It's my hubbie's birthday. heehee (and he's out driving)

Gregory Richard Barden

Date: 6/30/2018 7:50:00 PM

Agree with Sir Smith - definitely one of your best, but you NEVER disappoint, Daniel - every time I click to open a piece of yours, I know I'm in for a treat ... what an awesome thing you provide for me (and others) not a moment poorly spent. LOVE this on my fourth reading now - and that volta! Bravo, My Poet Brother! :-)

Daniel Turner
Date: 6/30/2018 8:24:00 PM

Well I must say you have certainly given me my dose of "superficial glow"Thank you my friend. You know the feeling is mutual:) I appreciate your kind comments, Greg.

Gregory Richard Barden

Date: 6/30/2018 7:47:00 PM

Oh, yes, this is sublime penning, my friend!! There is so much truth and reality in this, and something we all fight daily ... humility is something I strive for always, because I have learned over these 60 years that if I don't remain humble by my own volition, the "Big Guy", (or fate, karma, higher power, etc.), will do it for me, and that is almost ALWAYS a very painful process, lol. Perfect rhyme and rhythm, wonderful phrasing and word use, substantive content - faving this one! Excellent!!

Charlie Smith

Date: 6/30/2018 3:31:00 PM

Bravo DT, this is one of your best, very well done...

Daniel Turner
Date: 6/30/2018 8:22:00 PM

Hello Charlie. Thank you . I am thrilled that you like it:) Hope you are staying cool!!!

Gary Bateman

Date: 6/24/2018 9:11:00 AM

Hello Danny, This is a most superb sonnet with a very compelling message!! The closing couplet is perfect with the poignant and powerful message it leaves for the reader to think about. A FAVE!! Best Wishes, Gary

Daniel Turner
Date: 6/24/2018 11:12:00 AM

Thank you, Gary. I appreciate the superficial glow. lol It's always a pleasure.

Judy Ball

Date: 6/23/2018 3:00:00 PM

Excellent Daniel. Vanity is indeed one of the worst sins. As you say the self serving soul is where most sin begins. It gives birth to all types of betrayal. Wonderful verse. Love it. A fave. God Bless, JB

Daniel Turner
Date: 6/23/2018 5:20:00 PM

Thank you, Judy. i appreciate your kind comments. Great to have you back!

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 6/22/2018 3:08:00 PM

What a wonderful sonnet, Daniel! There probably is some vanity in everyone, but the way you describe it, likening it to "false humility," is brilliant. Hugs, Carolyn

Daniel Turner
Date: 6/22/2018 5:07:00 PM

Thank you my dear. I appreciate your kindness and support. Really great to see you back on regularly. You were missed!

Bette Bavington

Date: 6/22/2018 9:24:00 AM

Interesting. I think we all have things we need to work on. One day at a time. Thank you for visiting my site.

Daniel Turner
Date: 6/22/2018 12:23:00 PM

Thank you, Bette. Your constant support does not go unnoticed. I appreciate all you do. Have a wonderful weekend:)

Anisha Dutta

Date: 6/21/2018 7:28:00 PM

Last line is the moral of our mortal life. As you use the word 'self-serving souls', it seems to me pointing to selfish qualities of a person. Regards.

Daniel Turner
Date: 6/21/2018 7:33:00 PM

Yes ma'am that's what vanity is, selfishness. Thank you for your lovely visit. It is always a pleasure:)

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 6/21/2018 1:09:00 PM

Mighty fine poetry, Daniel. Spoken w/such poetic truth and grace. The editor in me must weigh in w/my two cents. "... feed the fire that burns self-serving souls." is proper usage. Singular noun usage for soul would have the preposition 'a': " ... fire that burns a self-serving soul." Sorry to go English nerdy on you. Very insightful poem. Love and more love always.

Daniel Turner
Date: 6/21/2018 7:35:00 PM

That's ok Freddie. I try my best to use proper grammar:) I appreciate your visit. So nice to see you again.

Maurice Rigoler

Date: 6/21/2018 12:24:00 PM

I think "souls" is correct, for as you point out there are other self-serving people. This poem about ageing is as close as I allow myself to write confessional poetry. Many thanks for stopping by and leaving kind appreciative words. / M

Daniel Turner
Date: 6/21/2018 7:37:00 PM

I visit as often as possible Maurice. I always enjoy reading your work. Stop by anytime my friend. Say hello to Bonzo for me:)

Lyric Man

Date: 6/20/2018 11:23:00 PM

Daniel, you've composed a serious, though provoking piece.. a great joy to read!

Daniel Turner
Date: 6/21/2018 9:36:00 AM

Thank you, Lyric Man. I appreciate your time and support:)

Gershon Wolf

Date: 6/18/2018 10:21:00 PM

Ah! A profound write, with a 'killer' finishing couplet. Vanity, vanity,... ~ Gershon

Daniel Turner
Date: 6/21/2018 9:37:00 AM

Thank you Gershon. I am glad you enjoyed it. i appreciate your kindness:)