Success vs. Excellence, A Poem

Success is the key they hand you when they like you.

It doesn’t matter why.

They just give you the key that unlocks an upscale condo,

triggers the powerful purr of your new Mercedes,

and accesses the executive washroom.

It s what they give to you.

Excellence is another brand of brazil nut.

It’s what’s within you.

It’s what you do

that stretches mind and muscle.

They’ll hand you success when your ratings are up,

your sales soar, or when the eager masses

plunk down their grubby bucks to buy your stuff.

And they’ll snatch success away at daybreak.

Success loves its one-night stands at the Ritz.

But never expect it to say, I do.

Success is a day-tripper and a tease.

Success’ll forget you.

Excellence endures when the crowd moves on.