Conscience: A Poem About Morality, Inner Conflict & the Weight of Choice

This poem forms part of my Aftermath collection, poetry written after meeting Jenn, where love, reflection, and emotional clarity began to replace chaos.

By definition, conscience is our moral sense of right and wrong.

A space where gut feelings, instinct, empathy, and compassion combine to (hopefully) point us on the right path.

In this piece, I explore my own and its subterranean other, piecing it together in the only way I know how: through my poetry.

“The only tyrant I accept in this world is the 'still small voice' within me. And even though I have to face the prospect of being a minority of one, I humbly believe I have the courage to be in such a hopeless minority.”― Mahatma Gandhi

I love this quote because it does encapsulate the internal workings of our minds. There is the part that controls our body and its functions, and then there is the part that is 'us.'

The 'invisible' voice, which, honestly, I am not even sure sounds like my actual one. The one that questions, triggers, compliments, and critiques.

That voice is productive, obstructive, and all the in-betweens.

Two as one and one as the same... conscience and mind constantly working to balance feelings and decisions.

When I wrote this piece, I wanted to expose those inner workings, the swing of the pendulum that never seems to rest. So here it goes... welcome to the inner sanctum!

Join the Conversation

For me, conscience is about the dance between instinct and reason, between critique and compassion.

It’s a conversation we all have within ourselves, whether we acknowledge it or not.

What does your conscience sound like? Do you find it easy to listen to, or does it often conflict with your desires?

I'd genuinely love to hear your story. Come join the conversation:

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Discussion - Closer Lives Poetry Collective | Closer Lives

Welcome to the Closer Lives Poetry Collective, a creative haven where poets, writers, and dreamers can share moving words. Born of the same spirit of adventure that inspired our own story, this group celebrates poetry about love, travel, deep connection, and alternative living. If you write every day or just enjoy getting lost in a good verse, you belong here. Grab a cuppa, share your work, join the discussion, and connect with like-minded souls who see the world through rhythm and reflection.

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About Leon Gregori

I've been writing poetry since my mid-teens and find it natural to express myself through words. My long-form content focuses on themes of heartbreak and life.

🔗 ABOUT LEON GREGORI

⪢ Explore the Aftermath collection

Discover more poems written after meeting Jenn. My reflections on love, connection, creativity, and emotional clarity.

→ View all Aftermath poems

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