Timidity and Humility
[I was on a long phone conversation last night, and we were discussing things like discretion, pride and humility. So this morning I’m thinking of this poem I wrote in 1996. It’s in my Heart 2 Heart chapbook I hope it speaks a truth to you].
Timidity is a fox
dressed as humility.
It sneaks around in a mask
that appears solemn and reserved.
Timidity wants to be mistaken
for true humility -
and often gets away with it.
Humility is a barefoot child
absorbed in helping others.
It is in awe of God
and those around it
but unafraid.
Its unself-centeredness
makes it the opposite of proud.
Tear the mask off that fox,
Timidity!
Why that creature,
often self-absorbed in a fearful way,
is truly Pride in the core!
In a while Humility is picked up
and held high in the arms of his adored Lord.
***
(c) 1996 Ruth Marlene Friesen
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