Used PeakD's AI feature to write a 'poetic interpretation' of my post -
In the realm of virtues, they reside,
The four immeasurables, a noble guide.
Equanimity, loving-kindness, compassion, and joy,
Foundations of morality in Buddhist employ.
But beware, for lurking near,
Are enemies that bring forth fear.
Hatred, ill will, cruelty, and jealousy,
Opposites that challenge our virtuous decree.
Equanimity, the near enemy, is indifference,
Apathy that extinguishes our benevolence.
Loving-kindness, near enemy is sentimentality,
Emotion without action, a hollowality.
Compassion's near enemy is pity,
A condescension that lacks true empathy.
And sympathetic-joy, near enemy is hypocrisy,
Feigned happiness that hides our true empathy.
Oh, the snake, so friendly, by our side,
Its true nature, often disguised.
Like motives late revealed, in shame we dwell,
Aware of harm done, virtue turned to hell.
Fool's approval stings, honor stains,
As we confront our ill-done gains.
The friendly snake, a cautionary tale,
To look beyond the surface, beyond the veil.
So let us strive for true virtue's embrace,
To recognize the near enemies that we face.
For better the devil you know, they say,
Than the snake that leads us astray.