I would like to believe

that all people are good, deep down,

or that there is some good in all people.

However, I have looked deep down.

Some people have a veneer of churlishness that

yields to simple sweetness;

Some folks wear a tin-foil halo

over their darkened, soiled souls.

Other saints are sweet clear through

like a McIntosh with no bruises or worms.

Then there's the category of people who

desire your fear,

and don't covet love, because that means nothing

in their economy.  Power and control

are their prized posessions.

Deep down, they are just as

malevolent as they appear

on their wicked surface.

Row your boat to

friendlier waters

if you want to dive

down deep.