Our Demons/Our Psychoses -Part 12 - Envy And Apathy Vs. Empathy And Care Poem by Daniel Partlow

Our Demons/Our Psychoses -Part 12 - Envy And Apathy Vs. Empathy And Care



Spirit of Envy, Leviathan, is aptly named for his immense potential size.
Feeding in the waters of our hearts on the krill of ‘future happiness’ lies.

When we see what another has and think that we should have it too,
We cast ourselves in the mold of impoverished pauper, wanton feelings brew.

We lose sight of what we have to offer the unloved, ignorant, and needy
Love, charity, and empathy squeezed out by a growth of envy-greedy.

Born of scalding currants out of a growing volcanic cone
This monster feeds on us rapidly and his presence dwarfs our own.

Getting or taking may give a pleasure which subdues for a day
All the emotional wounds and injuries which accumulate dismay.

But we cannot and should not have everything, objects are not a salve.
We needn’t keep up with the Joneses by purchasing everything they have.

This affliction is not just temporary, but clings with the persistance of perpetuity.
Growing in our hearts and with his demands great and ingratuitous.

Jesus Christ, Told us ‘There is only one thing we truly need.’
It is the bounteous love and salvation born of Christ’s selfless deed.

So celebrate this gift, by giving thanks and helping the indigent.
Sharing the fruits of your faith, labor, and wisdom with the ignorant.

So be vicariously happy for those who have, and sad for those who don’t.
Let Empathy conquer Envy and be patient with those who won’t.

The Malls and catalogues, E-Bay, QVC and such feed on our weakness.
But there is One who can free us of Envy's future of bleakness.


Now Affluence can bring a subtler more conniving demon named Apathy.
Which cultivates a mild alienation into a stronger antipathy.

An attitude of ‘me’, whether for luxury or just for simple ‘needs’.
Off the path of empathy, care, and caution this diversion leads.

Perhaps you once really cared about the truth and relationship with Christ.
But there are parties to attend and your favorite e-bay item is about to be re-priced.

There are so many things to do and entertain and distract
But this is not how Jesus Christ taught us to act.

Loving our neighbor and helping out the poor.
Visiting the scripture and the church, instead of just the store.

Reaching out to our personal enemies, burying the hatchet.
Instead of tearing up a relationship, Jesus wants us to patch it.

Strive for something better for you spirit and your neighbors
Find a way to spend your spare time in truly fruitful labors.

For if we choose to ignore, we choose ignorance:
A callous and cavalier bliss in place of real benevolence.

Disempowerment is the final gift of this successful demon.
So know that shunning one’s cares does not make a freeman.

Weakness and timidity are not what the Holy Spirit bestows
A spirit of bountiful strength is the crop that this good spirit grows.

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Daniel Partlow

Daniel Partlow

St. Louis, MO > Westport, CT
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