A RECKONING

Three be the things I'd be wiser to know:
Honesty, pity, a friend from a foe.

Two be the things I'd be better without:
Bogus sincerity, lack of self-doubt.

Three be the things I shall never restore:
Honour, good conscience and peace after war.

Two be the things I shall have till I'm dead:
Public contempt - and the judgement ahead.

                    (Apologies to Dorothy Parker)