Scanning a lifetime's experiences
    I wish not to be cruel
     but I couldn't resist
    to cruelty I will be cruel

    for the world bears scars
    as never before--tragedy
    looms in every corner-- wars
   conflicts, madness-- no single ideology

   seems to stand alongside our common humanity
   mindless forces rally to maim and destroy---all
   that's born of love, compassion and beauty
   is torn apart-   nothing of grace is left to recall--

   in my impotency and despair I weep
   nothing could bear any fruit from my intractable cruelty
   those who dehumanise and desecrate will still sweep
   across every frontier-  to claim their unjust victory.