The Fairy's Blessing

I have a tale to tell

And this is how it starts:

One day, a fairy blessed me

With the gift to know people’s hearts.

I would know their intentions

Behind every good and bad action.

I would know them more than they knew themselves

To my own joy and satisfaction.

At first, it was amazing

Because I was able to see

That strangers trying to “help”

Were actually trying to deceive me.

They would act polite

And try to give me “advice.”

But their hearts betrayed vile thoughts

Showing they weren’t very nice.

I became good at spotting grifters

And murderers from miles away.

Which helped me save my money

And live to see another day.

“I must be the most wise,

And the most shrewd of all,” I thought.

“Most people seek fame and wealth

But it is wisdom that should be sought.

“They say in much wisdom is much grief

And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow,

Yet here I am ever joyful and carefree

Eager for new revelations on the morrow.”

But upon seeing my friends,

Who would always say I was pretty,

I heard their hearts scoff and say

“She isn’t half as pretty as me.

“I don’t get why she’s so popular

When she isn’t really that smart.

She’s isn’t that creative either;

She could never make true art.

“At least she’s filthy rich

And has great connections.”

It was clear money and social status

Were my “friends” true intentions.

Disheartened by the truth

Of what my fake friends thought of me,

I looked in the mirror to know

What my heart’s condition would be.

“Surely, my heart is pure,

For I am kind, not uncouth.”

But upon staring in the mirror

I quickly discovered the truth.

I too had made friends

For my own selfish gain.

I had made wreckless mistakes

That caused others great pain.

Though I had helped others

Expecting nothing in return,

My good deeds caused the flames

Of my self-righteousness to burn.

My heart was not as pure

As I had once believed.

Like a sword, the truth pierced my soul,

Leaving me extremely grieved.

Suddenly, the fairy appeared.

“Is my blessing serving you well?”

I sighed. “I suppose it is.”

“Then what troubles you, Isabelle?”

“This gift has protected me,

By showing me what is true.

But now I see myself for the first time

And I don’t know what to do.”

The fairy looked at me with sympathy.

“The truth can be painful, I know.

But now that you see the truth

You can take steps to grow.”

So, with some help from the fairy

I have grown over these few days.

I made amends with the people I hurt

And discarded my selfish ways.

I am focusing less on myself

And focusing more on others.

I am learning to help my neighbors,

My sisters, and my brothers.

Every time I look in the mirror

I see my heart is getting better.

There are still problems, but I am at peace

Knowing I can improve my character.