24.

“The more I hear and see just cause of hate . . .”

The more I hear and see just cause of hate

Within this wanting world, the more I see

Just cause to warranty at bargain rate

My comprehension, credit, sympathy.

I cannot be all things to all, but this

I take into consideration when

Perfection would betray me with a kiss

And leave me with a heretic Amen:

That if I condescend to that which wants —

Deficiency and Want themselves are truth,

And self-conceit a paltry vice to daunt

For a word which in our language rhymes with “youth.”

Time is a tick’s infection whence we die.

We may as well be humble, you and I.