In All Good Conscience
Whether its 4 agreements
or 10 commandments
I know the difference
between right and wrong
Whether it’s 4 and 20 blackbirds
or 3 blind mice
12 steps or 3 strikes
I don’t borrow words
or follow crowds
I don’t need to be told
Whether it’s the yellow brick road
or the long and winding one
the bandwagon is full
and the high road is paved
with brimstone and gold
Whether it’s 7 deadly sins
or the stages of grief
prescriptions have side effects
there are no life blueprints
and every moment is now
I don’t remember the ABC’s of CPR
I don’t balance checkbooks
or keep clean closets
but I know what is good
that I’m not better or less
and that the road to success
is an innate sense
that starts with a clear conscience
________Colleen Redman / Poets United / Imaginary Garden with Real Toads
March 31st, 2019 12:07 pm
I do love the way you describe the way with rules, and to me is the notion that no matter what you do there is the good conscience that matters in the end.
March 31st, 2019 1:08 pm
Colleen, this speaks to me, and will to all caring people of integrity, as the only way to live in peace – it does begin with doing the next right thing and having a clear conscience. Thank you for saying this so well.
March 31st, 2019 2:15 pm
Absolutely ❤❤ such a wise and profound poem, Colleen ?
March 31st, 2019 4:46 pm
Excellent. AMEN!
ZQ
March 31st, 2019 5:01 pm
Enjoyed this and was caught by the image of brimstone & gold.
March 31st, 2019 5:58 pm
I LOVE what you say here. I say yes to your way of being clear about who you are and knowing what is right and wrong. The assertiveness of these words are strong and true.
March 31st, 2019 6:24 pm
I love what you express here. Lovely reflections.
April 1st, 2019 12:25 am
That is wise and wonderful… and the references are all gems!
April 1st, 2019 3:57 pm
“there are no life blueprints” I’ll just leave that here.
April 2nd, 2019 11:15 am
This is so well done!
April 2nd, 2019 11:23 am
I love this — how you individualize the knowledge of one’s own experiences in life and the stance one takes is so good! All the set norms and standards are of no consequence.
“but I know what is good/that I’m not better or less…”: Yes, indeed!
April 2nd, 2019 4:19 pm
This reads like a manifesto! Although manifestos are usually long and rambling. You got right to the point. Cleverly done!
April 2nd, 2019 5:24 pm
Very well done! It takes a person with a clear conscience to write such.
April 2nd, 2019 6:15 pm
Love this! wow – brilliant “manifesto” … with just the right amount of latitude and longitude, and attitude – to say, “I don’t need to explain or justify” …
April 3rd, 2019 12:17 am
Right on! And very clever, with all the sayings.
April 3rd, 2019 6:19 am
No blueprints for living. Exactly! It’s disturbing at times, but I’d have it no other way, and I suspect you wouldn’t either.
April 3rd, 2019 6:34 pm
Yes!! We can follow every road, faith, thought, but it is our conscience that knows and finds comfort when we’ve done the right thing.
April 4th, 2019 7:05 am
Sorry I missed this wonderful work 1st time around CR. Great stuff.