For the sake of the sparrow's fall

For the sake of the thief, I shall not steal, And in spite of violence, I shall not kill. for the sake of those who in spite of injustices are just, And for the sake of those, who deceived, keep their trust, I trust. For the sake of the arrogant, I shall be meek As the spirit and the soul are meek From where they rise above the animal. For I have seen people unedurably tried, Star-crossed and fate-ridden, Endure the unendurable, Unresentful and with anguish hidden For the living heart tied In the inexorable flesh of life. For these and reasons more, and myself And the measures of the self I keep my peace with strife Lest the thief should steal Or in rage at the sparrow's fall, I kill.