A Pride That Kills

The watchmaker sorrowing as his shop’s aflame
hears a moaning child call out his name.
Without hesitation, he runs back through the frame,
only to find that the child’s to blame.

Pride rises up, and anger runs through
as the fire surrounding them grows more too.

And now with no other purpose but himself,
he forgets the boy and flees for his shelf.

There on the ledge stood his best, shining work.
He snatches it then with a cavalier smirk.

With prized watch in hand and child aside,
the building collapsed, and in flames, they died.

There is always time to save a soul.
But in pride, you chose not to take your own toll.
Saving yourself, the potential eternity you stole
has indeed loaded your heart with guilt so full.