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The Misanthrope
The Misanthrope
Yes, humans are the problem, I always said,
why so many innocent now lay dead.
It’s the unrelenting, driving need, the primitive fire
that consumes all required to nurture self,
produce more seed, to achieve another birth.
The ultimate proverbial selfish gene,
like vermin in the pantry of the Earth.
Malaria, diphtheria, suburbia…
what difference among disease?
The destruction is the same despite the size.
The scale does not obscure the fact
of its effect, despite the lies, prevent
the gruesome truth of its result.
Yes, humans are the problem, I say,
by no selection of their own, just the unstoppable
unthinking base desire. Some like wolves,
some like rats, a virus in the body of the world.
I pretty much just hate them all.
I wish they’d pass like their empires do,
relinquish the realm to those who truly love it.
Later, at the store to get some beer,
a little girl, maybe seven, maybe eight,
made it to the door before me…little brat!
I reached to open it for her, she being a kid
and all, but she, being quicker, opened it first,
held it open with a great big smile of victory.
“Well, thank you.” I said gruffly, in my most adult
and appreciative voice. “You’re welcome.”,
the little angel said sincerely, without judgment,
without fear of the grumpy old man with the beard.
She skipped off after her mother. I stood there.
Sh*t! There goes the whole damned theory.
Maybe there’s hope for us after all.
Copyright 2008 – SOFTWOOD-Seventy-eight Poems, Gary B. Fitzgerald
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May/1/2011, 4:36 pm
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Re: The Misanthrope
Hi Gary,
I really like the ending of S1:
"The ultimate proverbial selfish gene,
like vermin in the pantry of the Earth."
I can imagine you saying the ending of S3:
"Sh*t! There goes the whole damned theory.
Maybe there’s hope for us after all."
Last edited by Katlin, May/4/2011, 9:12 am
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May/4/2011, 8:39 am
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Re: The Misanthrope
As you sometimes say, this is a good un. S1 strong. S2's relief phrased in a lyrical moment. Well done. I suspect everyone can relate to what the poem says.
Tere
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May/7/2011, 1:31 pm
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Re: The Misanthrope
hey Gary,
I'm smiling along with Libra. But for the other humans, I'd be fine.
Chris
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May/9/2011, 1:35 pm
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Re: The Misanthrope
“I have ever hated all nations, professions, and communities, and all my love is toward individuals: for instance, I hate the tribe of lawyers, but I love Counsellor Such-a-one, and Judge Such-a-one: so with physicians—I will not speak of my own trade—soldiers, English, Scotch, French, and the rest. But principally I hate and detest that animal called man,…”
- Jonathan Swift
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May/9/2011, 9:44 pm
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