There seems to be

Among the many

A general consensus,

An understanding,

Of just what is meant

When it is said,

That, "This is Bad".

Avarice, greed,

Jealousy and hate,

Are just some of the emotions

That drive both individuals and States

To insanity and violence.

Yet, even here

The lines become fuzzy

As we justify

With seeming logic

That, "What is Bad"

Is "Really Good",

And conversely

What is "Good", is "Bad".

Religions are a

Great source for strife,

Ongoing since ancient days

Thus far impossible to overcome.

Another, the endless wars

That are frequently fought

All in the name of righteousness.

Can we tame our emotions,

Practice right from wrong

While still maintaining our freedom

Constricting what is wrong.

Will we ever be able to agree

On just what it is, that is

Right and that is wrong.

What is Bad,

Do we truly know

And if we do

Why do we carry on so.

The answer may well be,

That as yet,

We really do not know.

HERBERT HOLZBAUER
© 1997