Marcus Aurelius wrote, “take full account
of the excellencies which you possess,
and in gratitude remember how you would
hanker after them, if you had them not.”
A worthwhile inquiry, whether you are a
Roman Emperor or a janitor at Middlebreeze
Elementary School. Listen, it’s strangely easy
to take full account of the deficiencies which
we possess, and in resentment fantasize how
we would ascend to glory if we had them not.
As likely false as true. Likelier. Are you willing
to put down your scepter or mop and broom
and consider your unowned or under-appreciated
excellencies? Are you plucky and playful; do you
nip the heels and lick the faces of the woefully
somber? Do you have mysterious access to
the deep well of poetry or music? Do you grieve
with the purity and passion of a young nun,
in love with Jesus, showing the benumbed
how to feel again? Can you hold contradictions
with the agile steady fingers of a juggler,
opening minds and hearts with bright balls
that are both falling and flying? Adorn yourself
with these excellencies my kinsmen.
We need them more than we need shame or
false modesty that shirks responsibility. Let
those jewels twinkle right next to the raised
scars and crooked bones. Let us walk
home, arm in arm in the pale dawn, kissing
the ground with our tender calloused feet.