8/27/12
Chameleon sat in the shade of the jungle,
Regarding himself as he gazed at the pond.
He suddenly noticed beneath the still water,
A measuring rod left behind in the frond.
Then wanting to survey his growth since his childhood,
He stepped in the water and picked up the wand.
At once it was clear that this ruler was magic;
And measured according to what was held fond.
Chameleon pondered his changes from boyhood;
That now he was larger and stronger, and wild.
But standing the stick up and reading the markings,
It told he was merely an oversized child.
“Say what? What is this? Must be some sort of error!”
This statement insulted and made him quite riled.
“Ah hah! It’s because of my thoughts as I read it.”
He’d think of a different gauge; then he smiled.
Chameleon thought of all kinds of bad people.
He’d surely be much better rated than they.
The liar, the thief, the embezzler, the con man;
To these he’d compare and be counted okay.
Surprise of surprises, the measure stick gave him.
He didn’t receive a more sterling assay.
It said he was not good at modern day business;
And this line of work he should not try to play.
Chameleon next went the other direction;
He’d try to hold up the most perfect ideal.
Alas, though he wished he could reach this new target;
He kept falling shorter, despite building zeal.
Afraid of the rod, only slowly he read it.
Astonished and puzzled was all he could feel.
It said, “You are now inspiration for others.
You fill them with hope. You show virtue’s appeal.”
Chameleon pondered for days on the lesson.
The strain of this study had taken its toll.
Choose high or choose low, whether good, bad or neutral;
You change to live up to your measuring pole.
So if you will separate dross from the treasure,
And thereby would strengthen your body and soul;
Select with great care what you use as a measure.
Be sure that you judge yourself by the right goal.
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