“The test”

by Lianne Olive Hennig

It’s no use being faithful if you’re not faithful to yourself.
It’s no use being selfish, leaving courtesy on the shelf.

It’s no use being free if you infringe another’s right.
It’s no use being tied if the stricture causes fright.

It’s no use being soulful if your head is in the sand.
It’s no use being doleful if the recipe is bland.

It’s no use having feelings if they’re not put to the test.
It’s no use having energy if you do not do your best.

It’s no use being ‘top dog’ if you do not know your base.
It’s no use being background when you sense that you’re an ‘ace.’

It’s no use giving cuddles if you can’t press heart to heart.
It’s no use giving kisses if your lips must too soon part.

It’s no use standing tall if you dip your head to guilt.
It’s no use feeling small if for grandness you were built.

It’s no use to adventure if you need a lifelong love.
It’s no use keeping tenures if you wish to be a dove.

Life is lost to those who stray from the path they rightly hold.
To keep it you must not underpay, yet not be overbold.
Respect the lives of others, for their souls are linked with yours.
Understand the yearnings of your Self: Beware the drug-like ‘mores.’

Life is temperance and patience, growing wisdom from control.
Life is inward-seeking venture, wherein you meet your soul.

There are rules and regulations, some unseen, and most unknown;
But the borders of their strictures are felt when you are thrown
From the centered balance of your pathway to the edges, or beyond –
Then you’ll feel the tautness of your ‘leash’ and recognize your bond.

Remember, when you falter, that your Self made up this puzzle.
When you feel that you are helpless, remember, Self gave you the muzzle.
You are here for Graduation, and you’ve sworn to make the grade.
Our Selves know bodies have their faults, they know we’ll be afraid
To take the steps we need to or keep the boundaries we pledged, so
When you find you cannot fly, know you’re not yet fully fledged.

The handicaps and obstacles we must go through to complete
A lifetime’s set of lessons may seem an awesome feat –
But not if you accept that the tests are always hard for
Those who made the grade before, especially those who starred.

Isn’t it a wondrous challenge that your clever Self devised?
The harder course you go through should leave you well advised
Of the evolution of your Self, that it needs such handicap.
Is your intelligence surprised? No! For joy, give Self a clap!