Though my sight has weakened, I still see much, though not without fault. I cannot see my own errors, yet I find flaws in others’ flowers. I, I am a dervish! I commit no sin, make no mistake, yet others are ever wrong. They’re all crooked. I find fault in all and adorn myself as a flower! A night-blooming jasmine!
Like a cat, I can eat, but my eyes hunger like a dog. I’ll devour all. If anyone dares to share, I’ll chase them away with snarls. I’ve never called others like a crow when I find food. My greed wants it all. I have no time now for considerations of who owns what, where, and how much. Now is the time for me to be the witness! Even if I find money in dung, I’ll lick it up. I don’t look to the future!
I am a leader! I can silence any plea with a loud voice. If my interests are threatened, I’ll overturn my eyes and push anyone away in an instant. I can turn all gratitude into ingratitude. I cannot do, but I can take. I scold those who find my faults and forget. With a sword of fear, I shatter the crowns of the just. I believe what I understand, and no one else in the world understands it—this belief always keeps me elated. Among all donkeys, I roam as a pig! The dream of living as an elephant in the future will make me immortal—certainly.
If we could identify and rectify our mistakes, curb our greed, consider others’ well-being, embrace people with love, and offer sincere advice, we would all become exemplary individuals. We are quick to judge others but rarely introspect to acknowledge our own flaws. Those whose conscience is their judge become role models worthy of emulation. I have neither aspired to be such a person nor been able to. And I don’t even feel regret! I am consumed by greed for wealth and personal gain.
The habit of finding fault in others while considering oneself virtuous is distancing us from the human race. Greed for life, power, and money is transforming us into daily monsters. I crave to see everyone bowing down to me but never consider that I too need to bow. Pride, if not crushed, will inevitably lead to downfall. When power fades, life begins to burn. Therefore, it is essential to learn while there is still time. Let us not stand tall with a heart burdened by the history of insults and humiliation. Let us change. It is possible for humans to transform themselves.
