Purity

The purity of infancy is

Just a candle, bright but brief,

Dimming as the world creeps in

To steal its brilliance

Like a thief.

 

The growing up and growing older

Feeds an escalating fire

Muddling a precious mind with

Carnal prospects of desire.

 

And though the heart bides

True and pure,

Temptation bates a rueful lure of

Choices to conflict the mind and

Leave the essence insecure.

 

Yet all are tasked to rise above

The tempting vamp of lustful passion,

Walk the higher road unsullied by

The wreck of fickle fashion.

 

And I am right.

And I am wrong and

Never can be sure.

Forever conflict vexes in

The struggle to stay pure.