In A Valueless World

(in answer to Thom Gunn)

In a valueless world some people stand
and do create their own values
and act decently,
avoiding the throng
of the crowd ever rushing on

setting standards of integrity,
keeping to direction
like a compass
locks to the pole

and move only
when they are going
in the right way,
not becoming herded animals
that rush in for the kill,
to rob and plunder
or to run mindless over the abyss

but monuments to precedence
leading others through the dark night
to a bright sunny day.

© Gert Strydom