TRUMPING SHAME
Why do we have to struggle so
to put away the evils in us
and all around us
so ubiquitous
in shame
?
To overcome racial prejudice
To end unequal rights for women
To terminate cherishing gro$$ inequality
To stop oppressing the already oppressed poor
To quit mistreating those born gender ambiguous
To cease abusing already disadvantaged immigrants
To stop hating long enough to
Introduce empathy to the hearts of those who—if they could
reinstitute slavery, banish woman suffrage,
restore feudalism, starve the poor,
deport immigrants, kill gays—
they surely would do so,
all over again
without any
trace of
shame
?
Unexamined urges thriving in middling minds
lusting to rise by pushing others down
passionately voting reactionary
oblivious to self interest
trumping shame
unaware of
why
?
Can hearts acknowledge any purpose
greater then helping others,
and attaining knowledge,
with understanding
and wisdom
and love,
just like
God
?
William D. Coffey
