Herbert Nehrlich - Altruism

I asked Diogenes the other day
what is the measure of a real man.
He smiled and said, inquire if you may
about misfortunes of your neighbours, if you can.

No matter what befalls the little guy,
he struggles 'till the Devil takes his soul.
It's you who ought to stand and question 'WHY'
Instead, you blinked and left your cottage for a stroll.

The papers came, slipped under the oak door.
Headlines in colour, yes they shot him dead.
You told the servant to go out and close the door.
And turned the pillow over once and went to bed.

Herbert Nehrlich

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/altruism/