Virtues and Vices

Pride

What is pride, if not my greatest fault and a sore reminder?

The pride I allowed myself once had consumed my desire,

it ruptured my self worth, was my first heartbreak.

My pride over my ability consumed every aspect of life;

the better I did, a worse fall from grace I would take.

A student who excels without challenge, an outwardly perfect daughter;

fattened the pride like a lamb to the slaughter.

Near the top of my class, accepted to everywhere I applied,

Yet once I attend, I began to fail, despite all I tried.

With this stress, I began to crack;

Unable to figure just what I lack.

Every semester, new resentments start to fester.

What did I do?, I think, as my grades continue to drop.

My greatest pride made me crack,

and now every day I'll get to think back.

Pride is my greatest fault,

Yet what is a fault but a way to grow, a lesson to be taught?