Shame Comes After

Pride goes before a fall, shame comes after
Calls upon pride to repair disaster
By redoubling of faulty energy
So sets in motion a repeating crash

Only grief knows to tunnel through to light
By digging and clawing at the darkness
That is the legacy of painful loss
Of what was ever bogus self- esteem

Shame and pride wear costume of opposites
When yet they are two sides of but one coin,
twinned conspirators proposing ruin
Of the graceful peace of humility

Sorrow offers pride balm of repentance
As sting of salt tears chastens shame from skin