when you can raise your voice and make so much sound
when you can show off your power and throw your weight around
that is the time when you must step back and evaluate ability
that is the moment when you must go soft and seek humility
when you have health wealth and success at your fingertips
when hangers-on obey each command that leave your lips
that is the time when you must realize this will not last forever
that is the moment when you must go soft and savor
when you feel your preeminence detaches you from the rest
when you begin to fancy only you are the best
that is the time when you must let self-worth trounce ego
that is the moment when you must go soft and let go
when you are being celebrated by so many around you
when your aficionados and followers forever surround you
that is the time when you take stock of genuine perspective
that is the moment when you must go soft and reflective
when you are keeping up late into the silence of the night
when your demons you have rested and are in no mood for a fight
that is the time when a hundred home truths will be driven
that is the moment when you must go soft and ask to be forgiven