mara

that what you have you could enjoy
but to compare is to destroy
to dwell on what your neighbour's got
will make you feel as though you ought

having less induces envy
as you compare to those with more
it's hard and harder to be friendly
being bitter, feeling sore

and if you've a preponderance
look downward in your pride
to stand above and look askance
still will leave you tied

all us out here measuring
what we have and what we don't
lead us to endeavouring
after what we won't

when you're stuck judging
what's made is begrudging
missing out on being
and wanting, never seeing

that you stole from yourself
what you could have had
peace, presence, and solace
and to be quietly glad