Divine humility, the perfection of the saints
innumerable lashes, walking up the hill
pretty as a picture in the early morning dawn
The subject of ridicule, self loathing and shame
But of course this allows it to happen as any schoolboy
would know
Vulnerability and weakness, a sensitivity to the pain
of others, loneliness, defiance in various sizes and shapes
Perhaps it is in the cannon, the liturgy and the word
Self reflection is easier for some, they might see their faults,
in a burdensome world no place left to hide, but dignity remains
such a funny thing, strap it on your back they will take it away
For words can be used like a switch-blade knife, inflicting injury
is a sure way to go because some people refuse to give in,
no clenching of the fists or thumping of the chest
No walks alone through the park at night doing your best to avoid
embarrassing scenes because humiliations can take their toll
All of it a very cruel lesson, a wicked attempt to deny your self-worth
Because they can see where it really hurts
but perhaps it has already happened to them, malice and spite
can be very hard to understand
So no need to dig in so deep, take alternate routes if you must
be brave offer the other cheek, eventually they might see that modesty
may have some value, strength as weakness, kindness in the face
of animosity and hatred
So if you can bear it you are certainly great, but if need be
every now and then just give yourself a break
The scars of a student can be quite hard to endure yet sometimes it is possible
to rise above them, to create some distance to understand what can be so difficult
Because power may have many definitions and it can come in different ways
Foster understanding when you can, abhor violence, do your best for the common good
Provide comfort to the suffering, do everything that you can to heal their wounds
In their love you will find solace, a solution, meaning and purpose
Insults may be complements and praise, hardship a benefit and blessing,
persecution, a source of joy and happiness, an uncommon strategy
for a very hard world, a means to plant the seeds of wisdom and truth,
an exercise in self-affirmation, the ultimate irony and an unprecedented opportunity
to transform one's lowly place