1.
Care not for all you have.
Be distinct from all you own.
Want no more than you need.
Take no more than you’re owed.
2.
Let your hands create.
Let your feet be bare.
Let your spine be straight.
Let your heart show care.
3.
Sleep when you’re tired.
Wake when you’re not.
Work when work needs done.
Play when there is none.
4.
Treat a whisper as a shout.
Treat a shout as a whisper.
When listening, be devout.
When speaking, less is more.
5.
People are smart.
They will think for themselves.
Do not force opinions on them,
But lead with a good example.
6.
If one is dressed sloppily,
One cannot preach tidiness.
If one is against spirit,
One will fail when they profess it.
7.
If one lacks understanding,
They will use only words.
These words have no essence.
Like a birdhouse with no birds.
8.
If one has only heard words from
someone lacking understanding.
They will quote many books,
And refer others to them.
9.
If one has been referred to books,
and gains an understanding.
Their opinion will change often.
After every book they read.
10.
And one with many opinions,
keeps no solid understanding.
They get bored easily,
And become a hypocrite.
11.
In Life, live simply.
In God, be obedient.
In the Eucharist, show adoration.
In Humanity, show peace.
12.
In Prayer, be contemplative.
Do this without end.
In the name of the father, and the son,
and the holy spirit. Amen
