Foolish Pride

What is this thing
called pride?

What good is it,
this thing called pride,
when it comes between
the ones loved, and self?

What useful purpose
does it serve?

Can we afford
the price we must pay
to keep in tact,
this vanity called pride?

NO I say, and yet
most are unaware
of the cost until
the bill is due.

I, like a fool,
have let my pride,
my "Foolish Pride"
write checks that
my heart could not cash.

Many times I thought
my pride was so important,
but there are many types of pride.

Everyone wants to do things
that they can be proud of.

A sense of pride drives us
to do much good in our lives.
This is the good of pride.

But when we let it get in the way
of our happiness
and the happiness of the ones loved,
this is the tragic side of pride.

I have seen this side of my pride,
and this side of my family's pride
far too many times.

Our pride has built walls
between our hearts.

Walls that I am unable to ascend,
try as I might.

I have learned much
about foolish pride.

I have seen it steal
all the treasures of my heart.

It is my hope that
I can be strong enough
to never let
my foolish pride
come between
me and my treasures again.