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.

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