True Arrogance

Friend,

The highest degree of pride

Is boasting of being unproud

It hides behind the words,

"Of course, I’m not a proud soul!"

It shelters in the phrases,

"I could never be conceited!"

It peeks out through the lines,

"I am truly humble-hearted!"

True arrogance, the purest pride

Lurks in shadows, hard to find

Parading modesty, raising wisdom high

Beware, my friend, it might reside inside

True arrogance, oh can’t you see?

Perhaps it’s found in you and me

Then it flaunts simplicity

Or exalts its so-called wisdom

Unfolding virtues endlessly

Proclaiming kindness and decorum

True arrogance, the purest pride

Lurks in shadows, hard to find

Parading modesty, raising wisdom high

Beware, my friend, it might reside inside

True arrogance, oh can’t you see?

Perhaps it’s found in you and me

And so it is, the truest pride

The arrogance deep inside

That perhaps may be

In these very lines I write