To Thine Own Self Be True

To Thine Own Self Be True
By Mark Spencer

'Twas nearly twenty years ago
That his perceptions changed;
When God removed him from the world,
His life was rearranged.

And the Lord began to teach him,
What motivates his deeds.
For one must face the truth within,
Before he sows God's seeds.

After years of self reflection,
And many lessons learned,
It was time to share with the world,
The truths he had discerned.

But the truth was met with anger,
Most would not hear it through.
They told him: "If you wish to judge...
To thine own self, be true."

And though the truth was not impeached,
Mankind still turned away.
"The prophets died out long ago,
None walk the earth today."

They told him he was arrogant,
How dare he speak so bold!
After all, he's only human;
No glory to behold.

If he is just a mortal man,
What value is his word?
To think that God would speak to him,
Is foolish and absurd.

They saw an ordinary man,
Who had no earthy voice.
If someone spoke the word of God,
Would not the world rejoice?

And so they spurned him...and his "truth,"
As their resentment grew.
Each message earned the same response...
"To thine own self, be true!"

But the truth could not be silenced,
His words, they could not quell.
So they conspired against the man,
And placed him in a cell.

A generation, full of pride,
Decided on that day.
That if the truth dared judge their deeds,
It would be locked away.

And though he was God's messenger,
They paid no heed to him.
If the Lord needed a prophet,
He would have chosen them.

For each was far more qualified,
And God MUST see that too.
Let all would-be prophets beware...
"To thine own self, be true!"