201/09/15 Sacrifice Poem by Margaret Alice

Sacrificing something special for a higher ideal, showing
compassion where it has not been earned, saving a life
from a burning inn at the cost of one’s own right to live

Since I prefer crying long before something bad happens
I choose to give up what I covet immediately, crying in the
pain of heart-wrenching sacrifice, knowing that later

The joy of the objective for which I have suffered will take
away my tears and heartache, even while giving up and
watching myself having the experience, I already feel

The promise of future joy deep in my being, the comfort of
knowing that I will not reproach myself for throwing away
long-term advantage for the brief spark of short-term fun

That will leave a bad taste in the mouth and memories that
sting and burn, though I very often fall victim to self-pity, the
reassuring knowledge of long-term objectives keeps me safe

From total despair, sparkling humour revealing pretensions
always comes to my aid, and after laughing and singing a
favourite song and dancing with my imaginary partners

I feel warm and vibrant inside, ready to create a new dream
so as to help reality expand through the constructive use
of fantasy, contributing colourful visions….


Reflections based on events described in:

1. Reaper Man – Terry Pratchett – Victor Gollancz,1991
2. Phantom of the Opera – Gaston Leroux, adapted by
Andrew Lloyd Webber