Contradictions
by Louse Kobler, Lakeville, Connecticut

I shall never understand the inhumanity of man,

While at the same time he can be Humanity's epitome,

Is he born cruel and then converted, Or born kind and then perverted?

Are both these traits within the genes, Or are they shaped by other means?

Why does the child stone the frog, Throw stones at birds and tease the dog,

Yet cuddle in his bed at night, Synthetic pets of every stripe?

And when to manhood he has grown, Does still pursue the path he's known,

And proudly hunt the deer in fall, To hang a trophy on the wall?

Or shoot at any helpless game, Perhaps to kill, perhaps to maim?

Abandon to the wild his pets, Or drown the dolphins in his nets,

Harpoon the whale, and club the seal,

Yet no compunction does he feel?

Perhaps if he's been gently reared, To hold all livings things revered,

He'd keep the proper point of view... These animals have feelings too.