By Taylor Moessinger
pride sits on each shoulder
the devil and angel both
it whispers
it bolsters
it compels
after all, why not?
pride and power
a wicked combination
a treacherous lure
there is a terror,
most violent, in power
lush, poison, gems
why shouldn’t I rule
pride and patriotism?
they lust after the other
overindulgent
for this is who you are
pride declares
and you believe
yet so,
confidence dizzies with pride
rendering freedom indescribable
the fire that fuels you
stokes a rainbow of coals
to experience pride is to look upon blinding greatness
what falls in the shadow
how far have you flown from the ground
to humble yourself
to swallow your pride
remove yourself from the dizzying heights
that self satisfaction has flown you to
and so pride gives and takes
like a fire, you must be careful
for that which keeps you warm
can turn to destroy you with a small shift of wind
Taylor Moessinger is a creative living in Seattle, WA by way of Houston and Austin, Texas. She can most frequently be found involved with theatre (plays and musicals) both on stage and off, but she has, on occasion, also dabbled in modeling, photography, writing, and generally celebrating artistry of all kinds. Her favorite place to be is surrounded by nature and the unconsidered life all around us.