Indolent Protest

I sit and wonder why my mother says,

‘Be truthful, kind and good always’

When it seems that everybody tries

To convince me that easier is vice.

I sit and wonder why teachers taught

That morals were worthy; weakness to be fought

When it seems that the real world prefers

To treat them as tales for children’s ears.

I sit and wonder why those stories heard,

Spoke of truth triumphing all,

When it seems that the rest of the herd,

Have given up and let evil befall.

I sit and wonder why I sit and wonder,

What help will only thoughts render?

When it seems that the few who do think so

Do naught but quietly sit and mourn.