Sharing Poetry...Max Ehrmann

Reforming Oneself

by Max Ehrmann 

It has been raining again. I have been

indoors, meditating on the short-

comings of life.

I wish there were more kindly persons

in the world. Our competitive life

develops selfishness and unkindness.

I am determined to do something about it.

I cannot hope to convert many

persons. To convert one person, I 

shall do well.

I will begin with the person I know best-

 myself.

When it rains and one is much indoors,

 one is likely to meditate on the

shortcomings of life.

Let me think - how shall I make myself

kind, gentle considerate?
I do believe it has stopped raining.

I can go out now. I'll go and shoot on the archery range.
I'll not bother to reform myself today.

 Perhaps tomorrow - if it is raining,

and I must stay indoors, and meditate

on the shortcomings of life.

All copyright belongs to Max Ehrmann