It doesn't work to do what's right and good,
To discipline yourself by force of will,
To practice love and hold your anger still,
To quell desire, act as you think you should.
Nobody wants your charity, though they
May smile and thank you as they turn away.
But trust yourself, give every voice free play,
And healing will find you by close of day.
You ask, does that mean it's ok to kill?
(You've suffered wrong, and so you feel you could.)
That anger is the dross of your childhood,
Regard your question as grist for the mill.
If you step back, let nature take her course,
Your native love will prove the stronger force.
--JJM, #5 in the I Ching Sonnet Project
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