Humane is a misused word
In the vocabulary of many,
For the human tenets which
It implies are lost in the case of men.

For no humans display a bestial simplicity
In performing only the acts they need,
Without inflicting undue suffering
On the recipients of their deeds.

And humans display a conscious cold
Selfishness and lack of feeling for any other,
Venting fears and greeds and lusts
In the persecutions of their brothers.

Bestial is misused too,
In the vocabularies of many,
For the habits of the beast
Which it implies are found only in men.

For the beast displays a humane simplicity
In killing only what it needs,
And no emotionally induced suffering
Is involved in any deed.

And no beast displays conscious cold
Selfishness and lack of feeling for another,
Which man so aptly practices in
The persecution of his brothers.