Vacillation - 0012

My thoughts and deeds, alas, compete,
they've yet to prove to me
that what I wish and what complete
identical can be.

‘Tis base to boast ten times a day,
days fifty two times seven,
that best behaviour's to delay,
as help descends from Heaven.

'Cunctator' I long since deserve
that merit meted moons ago,
and thereunto add 'Maximus'
the Romans did bestow
on one brave man who'd, in the past,
slight chance to meet with lance
his foe, and happy homeward cast
his way with winning chants,
and so delayed until the time
when, weakened by the war,
his foemen left their dead behind
to Carthage to withdraw.

But I'm no hero, no hurray!
A craven coward I;
avoiding issues every day
I often let things lie.

‘Tis only my own self I spite
with inner vacillation,
let heart and head ally to fight
destructive hesitation.

(4 July 1974)

poem by Jonathan Robin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!