Ecstasy Of Excellence Poem by Margaret Alice

The ecstasy of excellence is the only worthy kind to
cultivate, to play at being Salieri, promoting one-self
while admitting that one’s myrmidons are rather
tone-deaf with an unmusical mind

Is self-destructive in the long run, instant celebrity
status and overnight fame is a self-contained game
that leaves one with a bitter taste in the mouth, later
generations will laugh at one’s self-glorification

And consign such work to the oblivion of mediocrity,
while the pursuit of excellence brings a reward infinitely
more satisfying than anything puny man can devise, to
make music that sings right into the heart

Stirring the soul, will make future generations swing
higher in their pursuit for perfection, celebrity status
based on self-elation is meaningless - did you ever
play chess and win by cheating

That kind of hollow victory is senseless, injures
self-worth and undermines self-respect…