HUMANKIND II

                    That humankind’s not often very kind
                    Nor, for that matter, notably humane
                    Suggests a flaw in how we are designed:
                    A natural tendency to go insane.

                    What other could account for all our wars
                    Now verging on a nuclear holocaust,
                    Which anyone of rectitude deplores,
                    Knowing our whole species would be lost.

                    No God will save us from insanity;
                    It’s only we, who if we can mature
                    In time, may rectify humanity
                    And help a healthy planet to endure.

                         Perhaps, then, visitors from outer space
                         Will come to honor such a gracious race.

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