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.

[Richard🖌]

Dear Sheila,
Whom, I wonder, with an ounce of insight and intellect, could argue with such living wisdom the essence of your words display (a question I cannot answer; for, amongst they whom could, I surely do not stand)?
In well-selected Free Verse Couplets, your keen-aimed poetic voice is stretched-out to touch the core of every person's sensibility, admonishing us to steer clear of all that would bedevil and assail our very welfare and common senses.
Genuinely, Shelia, you are a woman full matured in mind, heart, and soul, and I thank you most gratefully for sharing You with Us … warmest hugs to you, Dear Lady-Poet ⁓ Richard

[Sheila Kline]

I am blushing at such wonderful words of review! I am but a lowly Lady-Poet, but I do try and am ever striving to improve my work. My work springs from the heart first, and then from any knowledge that I have of form so many of my pieces are in need of revising; always revising, attempting to improve is my motto. Thank you for your kind words. They are indeed encouragement to continue! - Sheila

[Lydia Shutter]

"A light that shines outward may have hidden darkness in its shadow." All too true, Sheila. If it does not "feel" right, it is best to walk away and know you are doing the right thing for YOU....because if you do not protect yourself, no one else can or will. We have to use common sense in life though I fear that has become a thing of the past. Once you truly know yourself, you can form other relationships....healthy ones. This, as always, is beautifully presented and I enjoyed the wise words. Lydi**

[Sheila Kline]

We must listen to that which speaks from within to discern what is best for us! Some call it intuition, some wall it wisdom, and I too prefer to think of it as you indicate, "common sense"! Thank you for your insightful words my friend!