Man is...

Contemporary / Modern Poetry Human Written by TheSlöhterHaus · Jun 08, 2026

I wonder why man is.

This minless blind torturer, sufferer, lover, destroyer, protector, teacher, idiot.

He searches for meaning in a world he has made devoid of meaning. He lies and cheats steals and kills to aquire more and more of nothing he ever gets to keep. Peace eludes him because enemies grow like a conjoined parasitic twin next to, attatched to, power and opulence.

He breeds and murders.
Feeds and fails and whips the slaves to save the sails.
What a failed surprise this state of man!
Beauty and harmony, corrupted and for what?
The splendour of a few.
Opulence in a palace. Hiding in towers high enough to keep safe from those you doomed, but close enough so you can see them suffer.
"What do you. mean? They can WORK for their food!

How sinister a plot the true purpose of life.
The death of the ego? They should be so corrupted by greed. All manner of evil forgiven for it's not man, but the flesh which is weak. So says the ones who control. Far out of reach of the people who's blood they devour to feed the void in their soul.

About This Poem

Contemplating man's world.

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Poem Analysis

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Analysis Available

The poem presents a stark critique of humanity's flaws, exploring themes of greed, power, and existential despair. It uses vivid imagery and a raw, unstructured form to convey its message, though it occasionally lapses into didacticism. Its artistic value lies in its unflinching portrayal of human nature and societal corruption.

Strengths

The poem employs powerful imagery, such as 'enemies grow like a conjoined parasitic twin' to illustrate the inextricable link between power and conflict.
The line 'He searches for meaning in a world he has made devoid of meaning' effectively captures the existential theme of the poem.
The use of contrasting actions like 'breeds and murders' and 'feeds and fails' highlights the duality and contradictions inherent in human behavior.

Areas for Improvement

The poem's structure is somewhat chaotic, lacking clear stanza breaks or a consistent rhythm, which can detract from its overall impact.
Certain phrases, such as 'What do you. mean?' and 'so says the ones who control,' are awkwardly constructed and may confuse the reader.

Imagery

The poem is rich in visual language, using metaphors like 'parasitic twin' and 'hiding in towers high' to depict the destructive nature of power and greed. The imagery of 'whips the slaves to save the sails' evokes a sense of historical oppression and exploitation, while 'blood they devour to feed the void in their soul' conveys a visceral sense of moral corruption and emptiness.

Structure

The poem lacks a formal structure, with irregular line lengths and no discernible rhyme scheme. This lack of structure mirrors the chaotic and disordered nature of the themes it explores. The absence of stanza breaks creates a continuous flow of thought, reflecting the relentless and overwhelming nature of the human condition.

Language & Craft

The diction is direct and unembellished, with a tone that is accusatory and reflective. The poem employs alliteration in phrases like 'sufferer, lover, destroyer, protector' to create a rhythmic quality despite its free form. The voice is authoritative, speaking from a place of disillusionment with humanity.

Emotional Impact

The poem's emotional impact is significant, as it evokes feelings of frustration and despair over humanity's self-destructive tendencies. Its raw and unfiltered language can resonate deeply with readers who share a similar disillusionment with societal structures and human behavior.