A Leader

“Follow your dream,” or “Be true to yourself,”

Or “Carpe diem.” Not “memento mori.”

They fly pursuing power, love, and pelf,

And turn away from me and snicker “Boring!”

And how I want to join them. I know love,

And power and pelf – in love now twice star-crossed,

Thwarted once by sovereign will of Jove,

And once by sheer misfortune – victory lost.

Of light pursuits there’s nothing they can teach.

From pettiness and laughter I’ll stay free.

I hear the Sirens singing, each to each.

I will not hear, nor let them sing to me.

In fairness, truth, and honor I abound,

To those beneath, above me, and around.

I am steadfast Aeneas, duty-bound.

And so I’ll stay till destiny is found.