Our gifts and talents several or few
determine place and purpose in our group.
The seeming greater gifts will not shine through
when plain withheld dejects in one fell swoop.

Our intuitions and our insights keen
necessitate watch over those who stray.
The constant care is that the right be seen
when false but shining trifles hopes betray.

Our spirit of cooperation bold
defines the limits of our loss and gain.
The fearful ever seek to put on hold
when trials come and settle for maintain.

No guide wakes those at ease who will not lead
while mouthing vain self-satisfying creed.

- Robert Stone, 15 January 2012