Poetry

Be Wary Who You Follow

Can you name your “heroes”? I can’t.

Photo by Matt Seymour on Unsplash

I have no heroes.
All my friends have feet of clay;
We’re merely human.

Wise, self-governing,
We need no sycophancy —
No sniveling here.

Arise! Your hero’s
Unmoved by your abject praise.
Have a little pride.

Your admiration,
And respect, should be well-earned.
Fear is not respect.

Neither contempt, nor loathing,
Follow those worthy to lead —
Arrogance will fall.

A hero’s failure—
Abuse of trust may be the
Greatest sin of all.