Selfish Unselfishness

By Rhiannonw

Fri, 24 Apr 2015
  • 1805 reads
8 comments
 

Desire to please can stifle disclosure
of personal preferences,
rob others of pleasure
of being unselfish –
though none of us relish
forgoing the leisure
we treasure and cherish,
but we do like to feel we have tried
to give thought to your happiness too    
so your interests, enjoyments don’t totally hide,
but trust us, your fancies confide.

 

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Comments

Submitted by hilary west on

Yes, Rhiannon, it is probably best to be open and give the other half a chance to be unselfish! Nice sentiment in this poem!

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks. Hilary. A bit of fun, but wry truth too. I've known the problem of someone not realising the pleasure they could give! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Philip Sidney on

I like the puzzle in this, so if I was more slefish I'd give someone the opporunity to experience the pleasure of being unselfish?  I like the idea, sadly it always seem that none notices that the unselfish are being so.

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

I think you can't twist it too far! But my 'unselfishness' can have a trace of selfishness if denying the other the opportunity to be unselfish and appreciate my likings; I suppose if I  became really selfish then I wouldn't care about the other's concerns at all, his/her likings or desire to be helpful! ?? Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Bee on

No one can be truly unselfish when we enjoy the reward of happiness from giving. True unselfishness is to gracefully receive also. Liked the twisty playfulness.  

Bee

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Ah, yes, so unselfishness has satisfaction also, and we mustn't deny it to others by not being willing to receive! thanks Bee for reading and stimulating. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Rhiammon

An interesting thought you have given us to ponder.  Very clever little poem.

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Jean. Glad you enjoyed! Rhiannon