SHAME

Some feel it acutely
And blush bright red
Other don’t acknowledge its existence
Because their conscience is dead

To some it is a limit on their activity
They are mindful of the consequences
Of their actions
And they are careful how they tread

To a select few it does not matter
What people think
They will only do as they wish
To those that question them
They ask what’s it got to do with you?

Come what may
Actions have reactions
Those that do not play fair 
Will be heavily censured
The pillory for those who act the fool

Even punishment will not
Prevent the bold from causing outrage
Some are suckers who feed off
Another’s soul
They care not when we scold

Scandal is to some disastrous
For it lays bare one’s peculiarities
That privacy would shelter
Ignominy can be hard to bear

No one can exist outside the norm for long
None can withstand constant displeasure
People’s opinion may be an unnecessary bother
But shame can carry an eternal stigma