There is an even-handed justice in nature
No senility forgiven, but caught and eaten;
Blood and flesh, bone and marrow
To feed the life of another,
And back to the earth that gave it.
But there is no such justice in humanity,
With all who knew me in youth and vigour
Long dead before me blind and helpless, exacting
Care from those who looked upon me with disdain,
Caged and useless in a body that could not again do my will.
Even in death, inutile, buried too deep to nourish
The tangled weeds that cover my grave!