Temperance

“Everything in moderation,”
Cites the model of restraint,
Dubbed the perfect archetype of
Self-denial and temperance.

Admirable, this stoic manner,
This symbol of sobriety
Sacrificing satisfaction for
Excessive vigilance.

In the mastery of forbearance
I confess a fatal flaw that
Leaves me less than perfect
In the realm of prohibition.

I am no teetotaler
Pledged to master and abstain,
Though I fall far and fair removed from
Blatant breakout exhibition.

Finding absolute control and
Tempered-tough discretion is
More than just a pastime.
It’s a permanent progression.

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