Both a feeling and,
An understanding.
A feeling of deep content.
An understanding which,
Can with calm,
Face the impending,
Tragedy of one’s death.
With the realization,
That it is a.
Little triumph.
A consummation.
To be able to,
Welcome it. The last,
Enemy defeated.
With a gentle smile,
Of love, and with
Content defiant pride.
Both a feeling and,
An understanding.
Linked, so that one,
Without the other,
Cannot exist.
Enlightenment comes,
Gradually with growth,
To maturity and,
The practice of wisdom.
Of learning dearly bought,
And put together,
To see some parts,
Of the whole,
As they really are.
Both a feeling and,
An understanding,
Dearly bought with,
Tolerance of the faults,
Of others. Determined,
To improve oneself.
Getting just a little better.
Knowing what virtue is,
And determined to,
Practice it as,
God gives one,
Strength and will.
It comes from freedom,
Achieved with difficulty.
Cutting free from chains,
Of bondage, clinging tight,
Around the soul.
Chains, not of iron,
Not felt by sense.
Heavy constricting,
On the mind.
Both a feeling and,
An understanding.
Mental freedom with,
Courage to,
Knit the personality,
Whole and free.
To soar beyond,
The bars of culture.
Not afraid of freedom.
To live and love.
Not selfish but concerned,
For others more,
Than for ourselves.
Such service and,
Responsibility setting,
Free the soul.