who can possibly find true contentment
in the mere accumulation of riches?
who could hope to gain enlightenment
while focusing on televised graven images?

why have we slaughtered defenseless creatures
for the sake of our hideous gluttony?
why have we plundered Nature's fine Eden
to turn it's beauty into stinking refuse?

when will we cast out fearful greed
and within ourselves find loving kindness?
when will we treat each living thing
with respect, sensitivity, and heartfelt compassion?

who may win a war fought daily
on the hidden battlefields of vain desire
who may find sweet, peaceful existence
with this whole world bathed in violent fire?