Cruelty

Cruelty is not natural.
It is learned and taught
and that, too often,
by experience.

We usually know what is right,
are more often certain
about what,
to our mind, is not.

Fear often forces the will;
fear, too, is learned,
may be beaten in
with a stick.

Like a dog we howl,
bare our teeth and threaten to bite...
with guns and knives
may actually carry out
killing;

and because of wealth,
don't have to do killing ourselves;
but may simply buy,
arithmetic in life that still counts.
Value adds up
to the best price paid by the bidder.