TOWARD WISDOM
 

for Copthorne Macdonald

              

                Must we believe, or can we truly know
               The answers to our deepest mysteries,
               Such as if Homo sapiens can grow
               More sapient and our fond follies cease?

               Or whether there’s intelligent design
               Behind the workings of the universe
               That over cosmic eons can refine
               Our minds and lift our ancient curse?

               What we have failed to do is to respect
               What even ancient sages once surmised:
               That human beings are indeed elect
               To greatness—a gift we’ve sadly compromised.

                     Yet with contrition, we may realize
                    The promise of our race, by growing wise.

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