Because men’s pride is stronger than their purpose
       When pride is all they have, or all they’ve known,
Because the praise of neighbours makes us nervous
       (For men are what they are, not what they own);
Because our tinsel trappings drive us blindly
       And ‘way leads on to way’ — and habits stick;
Because we love success — but not too kindly,
       And seek her out, but fear to learn the trick;

Because our lives are short — yet complicated,
       And all our wars are laid away on file,
Because our whims and sins are automated,
       Or buried in the tyranny of style;
Because there are no secrets worth the keeping
       And Keepers claim the Fifth — if ever pressed;
Because the Fourth Estate is busy sleeping,
       (An advertiser clutched to either breast);

Because the wolves of law are smooth-tongued liars
       Whose pimps in sober clothing fleece the flock;
Because our bandaged hands still stoke the fires,
       While Justice slips bright guineas in her frock;
Because our Men of God are — politicians,
       Who render unto Caesar what is due;
Because we fill our children with ambitions
       To mirror what we say — not what we do;

Because we shield our eyes from other’s loathing,
       And hide away the follies of our youth,
Because we buy the label — not the clothing,
       And substitute good manners for the truth;
Because we mourn the crowd, yet shun seclusion
       For fear a voice may whisper what we’re worth —
Because men damn free will to mere illusion:
       We walk those paths predestined from our birth.