Passionate Moderation Poem by Mark Bratlie

I have a passion for moderation
I believe it's in my blood
But for many "passionate moderation"
is probably clear as mud

"One is passionate or moderate"
I hear the critics claim
"Using both in a phrase together
is literally quite lame"

Still, while occasional moderation
is practiced by most everyone
I long ago latched onto the term
and have pretty much stuck to my guns

My pattern with food for example
is to stop stomach growls without gorging
A little of this, a bit of that
and a waistline never exploding

With alcohol I've been known to binge
but with a frequency quite low
Usually only a couple of beers
will provide the desired glow

Moderate exercise is part of my life
and a routine to which I aspire
While a weekend warrior's muscle strains
are not to be desired

At this point I think of a self-rebuttal
which to exceptions will draw attention
Since there are aspects of this wondrous life
that call for strains of passion

A zest for living and love of wife
and calls for social justice
Gentle touch, present awareness
and beauty begging for notice

An infant's laugh, and elder's smile
and a songbird's gorgeous greeting
A warm embrace, a hardy laugh
and deep passion that's enduring

So...moderation is no panacea
to that I must confess
In fact it calls for a foot-noted warning1
(Do not take in excess!)