Superpower of Choice

Were I to choose a superpower
What would it be?
To leap tall buildings at a single bound?
Outrace the fastest jet airplane or rocket?
Be impervious to bullets, fire, violence?
I ponder
And realize that none of these powers
Hold much weight
If after exerting them
People are still in need
I would want my superpower to be
That to alleviate Want
Pain
Suffering
In all whom I could serve
And yet, I find I already hold that power
Free for the giving
If I only but choose to employ it
Being called Compassion
Charity
And Love
I ask only the courage
To share my superpower
With the world

Mike Turner is a retired member of the U.S. Government’s Senior Executive Service. He served a 27-year career as a law enforcement professional in the Departments of Defense, Treasury, Homeland Security and Commerce. In retirement, Turner has had a second career as an award-winning songwriter and poet. His poems have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies, including Dissident Voice. He can be contacted at www.MikeTurnerSongwriter.com. Read other articles by Mike.