We seem compelled to polarize
our thoughts, beliefs and politics:
while trying to seem to empathize,
we’re always planning dirty tricks.
We see ourselves as the Goodest Guys
while all the Other Guys are pricks.
We’re always fooled by our own disguise
designed to get us into cliques
in which we hope the others’ eyes
will see in us the final fix.
Occasionally our faith will rise,
defining a new axis in the mix,
a new reason to love or despise,
embrace our priests or beat with sticks
those who prefer some different lies
but never just accept for kicks,
or superpose, or laws devise
that build the rights of all in bricks
of edifices of a size
to obviate the crucifix.