An Examination Of Conscience 

If we do not struggle
as much as we grumble,
we might as well keep on failing. 

If we do not listen
as much as we assert,
we might as well keep on imposing. 

If we do not confide
as much as we compel,
we might as well keep on expecting. 

If we do not share
as much as we acquire,
we might as well keep on snatching.

If we do not intercede
as much as we dispute,
we might as well keep on forsaking. 

If we do not assuage
as much as we assail,
we might as well keep on warring.

If we do not believe
as much as we pray,
we might as well keep on begging. 

If we do not work
as much as we dream,
we might as well keep on sleeping.

Richard A Cummings
An American In Thought

R.A. Cummings (2005)
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