Humanity

If you don’t feel a flicker of disgust

when watching what humans do,

you may have misplaced your

humanity.

But then—what do we even mean

when we say humanity?

If the only ones who seem to possess it

are those who look at our species

and see something careless, vile, or cruel

What does that say about the rest of us?

What about the few who feel genuine concern

for the easing of suffering

not just human suffering,

but the pain carried by all living things?

How many of us can truly claim

to stand among them?

Maybe a handful.

Perhaps those who deceive the least

though even they lie,

when it serves them.

It seems like people are more

concerned with life after death
than having a meaningful life

before death

Wouldn't it be a good idea if people
were less concerned about an afterlife
and more concern with being a caring,

loving, decent person in this life?

The art of living well,

for yourself and for others,

seems even more lost

than the art of simple living.

Who knows—maybe living well

could even affect your afterlife.

If that’s true,

the pious had better hope

the cosmos isn’t as petty

as they are.