To Thine Own Self Be True

Inspired by William Shakespeare's Hamlet; Act 1, scene 3

Author's Note

To Thine Own Self Be True

Drink of healing waters to appease the raging fire storm in your soul--
Inequity that is purged nurtures rejuvenation to take seed and flourish.

Remain alert as an unwise man invites fools into his tent of good fortune--
Those filled with avarice intend to rob profit from the gains of another.

Discern that not all people who come to you are arriving with good faith--
A light that shines outward may have hidden darkness in its shadow.

Unseal the door to your heart so that love may enter in with thanksgiving--
A new seal may not form when hate is banished to far corners of the earth.

Look within and accept you are wise and able to achieve great success—
Fool hardy men are unable to steal such virtues like a thief in the night.

Stand strong and face the assault of tribulations with belief you shall win.
To thine own self be true and “self” in all matters shall be victorious.

Sheila Bowyer Kline

Inspired by:
William Shakespeare:
Hamlet Act 1, scene 3:
Polonius:
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Farewell, my blessing season this in thee!

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

There are words from the past that never lose their radiance or if you prefer- wisdom. Gentility, courtesy, being - as should be, will never fade, but flicker time at its best; sharing the best of the human spirit and its heart-felt resolve. Sheila, thank you.. as ever always for being you.

[Sheila Kline]

Thank you, dearest Emma, for your kind review! My humble words of wisdom sometimes fall on deaf ears, but they are meant to feed the soul! You are wise, kind, and ever so loving!! The spirit in you shines like a bright beacon in the darkest of nights!! Shine on my friend!!

[emmajoygreen]

Good morning and - thank you. Stay well, safe and smiling, dear and long-standing friend.

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

Very kind words of wisdom, Sheila ... And, yeah, I took a Shakespeare Class and my favorite play of his is A Midnight Summer's Dream ...

Marve

[Sheila Kline]

Thank you for your kind words! It is pleasing to know you've taken a Shakespeare Class! I too enjoy A Midnight Summer's Dream...

[Inject Positivity]

What a true pleasure to read this inspiring write... The poem has great declaration of human will and strength... The whole poem speaks something great about our greatest writer of all time... It truly inspired me the you left inspiration in this poem...

Sincerely
Dhiman

[Sheila Kline]

Thank you. And I agree he was our greatest writer! I am often inspired by his works!

[Tom]

http://youtu.be/BL58-Sh94ms

Prophetic and poetic words indeed Sheila, walk tall and look the world right in the eye....

[Sheila Kline]

Oh Tom, I absolutely love the song............and yes, WALK TALL, and walk each step with wisdom gained by past experience of those who've come before us, those who nurture us, those who have tasted enough of the fruit of life to know how to allow it to feed us, rather than destroy us! Thank you my friend for sharing the video...such wise words for us to follow!!

[Antoñyo]

One of my favorite quotes...Beautiful wisdom befitting.

Thanks for sharing another gem, Lady Kline

[Sheila Kline]

It is my pleasure to share gems with my fellow writers, and readers! It is nice to have you stop by!!

[Shabeeh Haider]

Truly wonderful couplets. I like the way you take quotes from the masters and then blend it into a magnificent offering of words.
All these couplets are deep in meaning and take time to really sink in.
Personally, I like the third couplet the best.
Stay blessed and keep writing.

*shabeeh*

[Sheila Kline]

Thank you for your kind words with a blessing! I enjoy using the words of the masters as inspiration; I have much to learn from them!

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

Amazing write! You have that Shakespeare touch! Loved the line,
"A light that shines outward may have hidden darkness in its shadow."
That's a line to remember and be inspired by. Thank you!

[Sheila Kline]

Thank you Cyprian! We must be aware of those who come in sheep clothing, those who shine a light of good but have motives of deception hidden in the shadows; all may be tricked but hopefully we learn from our mistakes! (And I do love the writings of Shakespeare!)

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

You're most welcome!
Affirmative!
Oh yes, i can tell! :)

[Valentine]

The title says it all in this gem. Valentine

[Sheila Kline]

Thanks my friend@ - if only we follow it we will be a happier soul!

[DIVYA]

A poem full of inspiration and true wisdom. Not untill one follows the tenets of this poem can he achieve true success in life. I loved most the lines on people reaching out to us with less than honest intentions. We have to be in the guard at all times. Prayers help too. Sending much love...

[Sheila Kline]

Yes, prayers help!! I return the love to you my friend!

[DIVYA]

Thank you so much Sheila.

[angelina neves]

true and powerful! In the end you say all!

"Stand strong and face the assault of tribulations with belief you shall win.
To thine own self be true and “self” in all matters shall be victorious."

[Sheila Kline]

Thank you angelina for your kind words of support! We must have faith in "self" and understand that if we are true to self then we can succeed!