Malignant Greed


How pernicious
This featureless monster
Lurking in shadows of cravings
Knowing well its metastasizing power

The child in man squints
Observing the ghost like presence
Segueing centuries past
Where both kings and peasants
Priests and flocks
Bankers and customers
Toyed with the infectious apparition
Ignorant of its ravenous nature

Time continues its partner
Tiptoeing surreptitiously
From party ice cream
Through adolescent hormonal voracity
Into awakened narcissism

Clever its disguise
Masquerading upwards through corporate
Domestic
Spiritual safe havens
Where waning immunities
Await ready infection

Long ago
The child giggled
Birthday cake and gifts
So innocent
Gluttony and greed remained
Unknown enemies
Until...