What a wondrous idea!
What a great goal!
What a prize to work towards!
What a gift to pass on?
“Ah, now there’s the rub.”
For in giving it too freely, to those
who have not sought the
shade and responsibilities,
it may fester in neglect,
to perish in greed.
For you cannot force it on people.
That, is not democratic!
It will be resisted.
It will not take root!
The seed must lie dormant,
awaiting the gentle rain of reason.
Beware of false leaders.
Beware of despots.
Beware of excesses.
Beware of indulgencies.
Beware of glittering gifts.
Beware but always be generous.
Give openly to help everyone,
not just a few.
Learn that you cannot buy
real friendship;
only dark evil, envy!
Through all this, sense a
shining grail.
Reach for it.
Strive for it.
Dream of it.
Live it.
This pure idea is not easy.
It is a philosophy,
the concept of equality.
The simple but convoluted philosophy of love.
David Garlick, Boulder, November, 2008