I knew a man, or so he said
social injustice is all inbred
In flowery refrain his mouth would speak
like clashing cymbals in need of tweak

He spoke of grandeur in a personal way
with nose upturned and a cocky sway
Arrogance and pride seemed his stock and trade
yes, perfection, he'll tell you, all self-made

With lust in heart he sought to malign
innocent ones of body and mind
Devoid of remorse when the damage was done
consumed he was with just having fun

Watch him climb that circular ladder
in search of half-truths that make no matter
In quiet fear he bides his time
teetering precariously on life's fine line

Swept up through the years against his will
defiance to the last, he shows it still
Though proved transient, he'll not admit
until the last piece of dust has he bit

Somewhere along the way he missed the news
about life and love and singular truths
Happiness and hope were his all along
had he just paid attention to creation's love song

Sad, don't you think it so
he lived the poverty of a selfish ego
From an act of love he emerged from the womb
only to retire a pauper in an unmarked tomb