Skip to content
Values of the Wise
  • Home
  •  Resources
    •  Blog
      • Applied Psychology
      • Ethics & Morality
      • Latest Blogs
      • Personal Growth
      • Philosophy & Critical Thinking
      • Poetry & Personal
      • Quotations
      • Social & Economic Justice
      • Social Criticism
      • Values & Ethics Chapters
      • Virtue & Character
      • Wisdom
    • Books
    • Searchable Quotations Database
    • Podcasts About Values & Ethics
    •  Top Values Tool™
    •  Ethical Decision Making Guide™
  • Work With Jason
  • About
    • About Jason
    •  Praise for Values of the Wise™
  • Contribute
  •  Contact
  •  
Site Search

“The Scarlet Letters”

“The Scarlet Letters”

December 27th, 2017

scarlet letters

 

Were I to swim in front of the in-laws,

My tattoos exposed for the world to see,

How would they look upon it?

What would their reactions be?

 

Would I be seen as dangerous?

Or might principled be conveyed?

Would classless come to mind?

More like drawing respect or dismay?

 

On an island, I would feel confident,

Taking pride in my cutting-edge art.

But I exist in a conventional world;

The herd and I see it miles apart.

 

Two of my brothers take a similar tack,

Both recognizing similar aspirations.

Though alone and unique in this world,

They possess the wisdom to lead nations.

 

Perhaps if this world were peaceful,

And love ruled as now do mere boys,

I would not be wearing these scarlet letters,

But living with my brethren amongst joy.

 

So while I ought to summon tolerance,

And I do not want to seem holier than thou,

If one of the in-laws were a better person than I,

Before his or her greatness would I surely bow.

 

Here is a poem that is somewhat in the same vein, entitled “The Truly Noble Man.” They both deal with themes of honor, principles, values, aspirations, society, societal expectations, and self-definition.

“The Scarlet Letters” © Jason Merchey 1999-2018

 

Share
body art character guide of life philosophy scarlet letters self-definition tattoos values virtue
Conservative Truth-Teller, Bruce Bartlett
Moral Decision-Making: What Are You Prepared to Do?

Related articles

economic justice
Economic Justice Has Gotten Worse…
moral goodness
Empathy is a Solid Route…
authenticity
Existentialism: Authenticity vs. ‘Bad Faith’
moral desert
What Do We Deserve? Moral…
liberal education
Review of Ch. One: “In…
quotes about values and wisdom
Quotes About Values and Wisdom…
inspiring quotations
Inspiring Quotations for Overcoming Adversity
Helen Keller
American Treasure: Helen Keller’s Values
Political Extremism: The Authoritarian Voter
fake news
Fake News in Trump’s America

Today's Quote

True wisdom is more complicated and elusive than any parable or morality tale can covey. And, like more material forms of wealth, the fact you now have it doesn’t mean you get to keep it.

— Stephen S. Hall

Make Wisdom Your Greatest Strength!

Sign Up and Receive Wisdom-Based Ideas, Tips, and Inspiration!

Search the VOW Blog

Free! Life of Value Books

  • Values of the Wise logo Contribute to Values of the Wise $5.00 – $100.00
  • Values & Ethics - From Living Room to Boardroom Values & Ethics: From Living Room to Boardroom $0.00
  • Building a Life of Value Building a Life of Value $0.00
  • Living a Life of Value book cover Living a Life of Value $0.00

Latest Blogs

  • Economic Justice Has Gotten Worse Since COVID-19
  • Empathy is a Solid Route to Moral Goodness
  • Existentialism: Authenticity vs. ‘Bad Faith’
  • What Do We Deserve? Moral Desert & Entitlement
  • Review of Ch. One: “In Defense of a Liberal Education”
Ancient Wisdom and Progressive Thinking Brought to Life
Values of the Wise, LLC
© Copyright 2017-2021 Values of the Wise. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • RSS