The problem of humanity

(After Shelley’s The revolt of Islam)

Life speaks of her opposites, Truth and Lie

That clash and are caught in the sky, eagle

And snake in battle-cry, reborn in my body

Both eagle and snake arise in my mind alive,

At conflict myself, that seeks to survive, and

I tell the truth, and I tell a lie, yet neither

Eagle, or snake, ever triumph inside,

Who am I to judge Life, humankind?