Before all this, one I had thought a friend
came to me and said: “For God’s sake, do talk
to him. He wants you on his side.
I asked
“For God’s sake”?
“For your own sake, fool!
He’ll exile you or else he’ll kill you here.
You’ll die elsewhere.
You are his counsellor
but unofficially. You are not safe.”
I replied: “All I have done is speak out
on matters of principle. Where is the harm?”
And he, who cannot write the word easily
nor without much hesitation and breath
said: “Principles are of importance. Yes!
How could I not agree? But say, my friend,
what assistance have they been to you, careerwise?
None, I see?
I thought so.
They never are
unless chosen carefully under guidance,
as with anything.
Principles, if unproductive,
should be abandoned, exchanged, for ones that work.
Audit your ethical profitability
every few months and set yourself targets
which are achievable; and good guidelines
which do not inhibit social progress.”
I thanked him. He went away.
I worried.
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