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LITERARY NOOK
Virtues and vices go on vacation
These two sonnets complete 13 Virtues listed by Benjamin Franklin in his autobiography, plus one. I added on Courage. I added a parallel opposite vice to each virtue. The series is going on hiatus for now, see you later with more virtues and vices. The first sonnet is dedicated to former POTUS John F. Kennedy, who wrote a book titled Profiles in Courage and it is also dedicated to Ukraine President Voldymyr Zelenskyy, who shows the meaning of courage to the world today.
Diamonds of Courage
Diamonds of Courage have many shining facets
they contain other virtues in many phases
they shun lies trying to be Honest as it gets
the truth may hurt but showing Courage amazes
as scales of justice weigh and balance information
Honesty with yourself summons Courage to fight
facets of Kindness and Patience help the situation
showing Empathy for those who are suffering is right
Humility helps when your lack of Courage is failing
and learn the joy of winning the sorrow of defeat
out in the turbulent seas of life we all are sailing
as strong currents of emotional Courage we meet
diamonds of Courage shine light in all directions
use it to find the Courage of your own convictions.
No Cowardice Allowed
“Old friends, they shine like diamonds, old friends you can always call…”—Guy Clark (1941-2016 )
From those first shaky steps when they’re learning to walk
toddlers show Courage
From taking their first steps when landing on the moon
astronauts show Courage
Marine scientists descending into the deep dark seas
of the Marianas Trench show Courage
Caring for loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s,
families show Courage
Spinal injury paralysis victims who won’t walk again
show Courage every day
amputees, cancer survivors, school bus drivers
show Courage every day
Stephen Hawking immobile, speechless, in a wheelchair
had the Courage to study the universe !
standing up for what you believe in, God, family, country
shows your Courage
have the Courage to say, “I am Proud to be Me.”
Joey ‘Pepe Batbon’ Connolly (Special to the Saipan Tribune)
Joey aka Pepe Batbon is a retired educator who taught in the CNMI, NOLA, and LVNV. He is a sonnet practitioner who enjoys stargazing.
