Comparing - edit

[dukealien]

Comparing


When I was soldiering, commanders said,
“Never compare your paycheck with the guy
who’s sitting next to you.” They meant he might
have less deducted, alimony, tax,
more time in grade, years prior service, or
incentive pay for special skills he’d learned.
Since inequality seeds envy, they,
with discipline and unity in mind,
suggested we stay ignorant and blind.

That’s long ago, but once you set aside
Command’s self-serving motives, there remains
a core of wisdom in that sage advice
because no-one gets just what he deserves–
not sunny days or friendship, joy or fame,
not suffering, dismissal, pain, or grief
get added up by some celestial clerk;
our acts don’t spin a giant cosmic wheel
that brings around comeuppance or reward.

So as you stand beside my bier don’t try
comparing all you have with what I got.
Our pay stubs will be equal when we’re done:
for item, “Lives,” our numbers will be “one.”

When I was soldiering they used to say,
“Never compare your paycheck with the guy
next to you.” What they meant was that he might
have less deducted, taxes, sort of thing,
more time in grade, years prior service, or
incentive pay for hazardous pursuits.
Since inequality seeds envy, they,
with discipline and unity in mind,
suggested we stay ignorant and blind.

That’s long ago, now, but to set aside
Command’s self-serving motives, there remains
a core of wisdom in their cold advice
because nobody gets what he deserves–
not length of days, nor friendship, joy, or fame,
not suffering, ignominy, and grief
are toted up by some celestial clerk;
nor do our deeds impel a cosmic wheel
that brings around comeuppance or reward.

So as you stand beside my bier don’t try
comparing all I got with what you have.
Our pay stubs will be equal when we’re done:
for item, “Lives,” the number’s always “one.”

Subtitle "Contra Karma" considered, but unnecessary?  "Crying Over My Bier," on the other hand, didn't seem properly Kippled.