What Is Man?

To look upon the body
of man
is to see Strength,
Agility,
and Power.

It is a symbol;
a sign of
God.
It is good and pure and beautiful.

It is a temple.

It is intricate
in detail,
beautiful in design,
filled with
genius.

To look inside the soul
of man
is to see Hate,
Greed,
and Lust.

It is a statement;
a sign of
Evil.
It is misery and dark and repulsive.

It is a cavern.

It is knowable
in bigotry,
educated in torment,
filled with
fear.

by Tanna Lynn Pekrul - 1995