The Depravity of Man

Malicious and prideful, man will alone

find (and doubtless employ) sad stratagems.

With the bleak machinations of their own

each pleadingly begs his mind from which stems

untold misery, sad contempt, and strife -

to abate its scheming operations.

Yet, much as man cannot control his life,

he wants to escape these limitations.

Wishing to fence his mind with love and peace,

he is oft waylaid by palaces and lusts

for his money and his fame to increase.

What a lie which he wholeheartedly trusts!

Self and ambition put above all things,

until his life runs its course and death stings.