Encouraging Limericks about Virtue and Decency

Some things in life are too important for ordinary words, and that’s why I’ve written a series of limericks about virtue, duty and decency. I can’t claim to have all the answers on how to live up to your highest potential. But once in a while I stumble upon a worthy notion and make a note of it to remind myself later.

     Duty 
     Consider the questions of greatest concern
     It’s not what you do and it’s not what you earn
               But how are you living
               And what are you giving 
     And who can you rescue and what can you learn

     Shortcomings of the Temporal
     Perfection is something conceivable sort of
     But outside of heaven it’s simply unheard of
               The flawless ideal
               Has so much appeal
     And standards that mortals will always fall short of 

     The Eye of the Needle 
     The gates to the kingdom are dreadfully narrow
     No room for a mogul nor baron nor pharaoh
               But your typical mortal
               Can pass through the portal
     With virtue that’s honed like the tip of an arrow

     Virtue  
     It’s not at all easy to act out of principle
     They laugh in your face and they call you an imbecile
               Label you crazy 
               Habitually lazy
     They know not the ways of a heart that’s invincible

     Simplicity
     The sages admonish edacious pursuits
     So soften the ego and strengthen your roots
               Don’t work up a swelter
               Over hunger and shelter
     But learn to subsist on intangible fruits

     Random Acts 
     The random performance of kindness
     Has never been known to cause blindness
               So make someone smile
               Just once in a while
     For life is too short to be mindless

     Black and White 
     Between evil and good lies a rift
     And you know when you’re starting to drift
               Like a flower to light
               We are drawn to what’s right
     For the truth never fails to uplift

     Gratitude
     Give ears to the finch when she sings
     Turn away from the ants and bee stings
               Focus your mind
               On what’s lovely and kind 
     And give thanks as you dwell on these things

     In Grace We Trust 
     There’s a delicate balance that ought to be struck
     B’tween counting your blessings and pressing your luck
               Keep God on your side
               But be watchful of pride
     And bend yourself down without losing your pluck 

Further Reading

If you liked these limericks about virtue and decency, you’ll be sure to enjoy:

• Limericks about Inner Voices
• Limericks about Self Improvement
• Limericks about Love
• 8 Common questions about limericks