Temperance

“Everything in moderation,”

Cites the model of restraint,

Dubbed the perfect archetype of

Self-denial and temperance.

 

Admirable, this stoic manner,

This symbol of sobriety

Sacrificing satisfaction for

Excessive vigilance.

 

In the mastery of forbearance

I confess a fatal flaw that

Leaves me less than perfect

In the realm of prohibition.

 

I am no teetotaler

Pledged to master and abstain,

Though I fall far and fair removed from

Blatant breakout exhibition.

 

Finding absolute control and

Tempered-tough discretion is

More than just a pastime.

It’s a permanent progression.