The Human Animal

	To make me do the thing I will, I won't.
	Facing front, it's back I turn
	to scorn the right intent.
	The worse I am, the better do. Against
	my own impulse I plot; and overthrown
	rise up to govern all I have undone.
	
	To live my life, I've lost it. Or reversed,
	the greatest loss was living most;
	the best I did was least.
	By counter causes, grown then capable,
	I've come to some short pass. And passing still
	go on to learn what's gone, and what I will.
	                                 -- Jane Mayhall