Honesty Or Dishonesty? Poem by Michael Walker

Dishonesty, especially theft, causes distress
for the victim, not to mention lasting resentment.
The victim knows that their trust was misplaced,
that they misread the character of a stranger.
Dishonesty means self centredness and stealth;
the thief has neither a good conscience nor true wealth.

Honesty is the greatest virtue, as dishonesty is the worst vice.
The honest person will go the extra mile, hand in any valuables
which they find in a public place because it is morally right,
not for any reward or recognition. Not for publicity.
Lately, I have experienced both dishonesty and honesty:
A woman stole my wallet and credit cards from my home:
A stranger handed in my wallet from the street to a shopkeeper,
who contacted me, saying, 'Am I not my brother's keeper? '
I think that the wheels of karma do turn,
as I returned a new smartphone to its owner once.

-17 September 2020.