SOS 1. The Evolution of Man,
Wyleian Sonnet CCLIV
If we evolved from apes as Darwin claimed,
for what we have become, should apes be blamed?
Have we inherited some simian gene
that makes our human conduct so obscene?
I never heard of any type of ape
committing bestiality or rape
or any of the plethora of sin
which Man commits upon his kith and kin.
Did apes or Satan plant in Man this seed
of envy, hate, destructiveness and greed?
As Man evolved, did some inherent curse
make each progressive generation worse?
To me, the future prospect’s rather glum
when I consider what Man may become.
Hugh Wyles, May 20th.2009.
Inspired by a suggestion from Susan E. Pennycuff
to whom this sonnet is dedicated.
Author notes
Inspired by Susan E Pennycuff’s GOLD winning entry
“Where Do We Go from Here?” in my SOS Contest
http://allpoetry.com/contest/2447165
Other award entries will appear daily in this space.
In a list
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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Hmmmmm, a disturbing thought crossed my mind
while reading your piece. A "what if," so to speak.
What if the speed of advancing technology
plays out in a reverse parrallel
with the backward path of man's morality!
Ah, those texting thumbs, those words flying
'cross the globe, the whole world displayed
on our desks, or carried with us with laptop
of blackberry. Oh, I don't want to think of
that reverse dilemna any more!!!!!Not fun,
at all!
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I love this Hugh, Jim and I were having a conversation a few days ago and I just read this to him because it fell right into suit with what we had discussed. ( although you certainly said it more eloquently than I did... lol )
I had no idea you had already written this. I just left you a message on the contest page letting you know that I was looking forward to reading the poems the contest inspired. Imagine my surprise when I looked at my messages immediately afterwards and found this link! I would love it if you sent me the links to your other poems as well... wait, nevermind, I will just add you as a favorite so I will know when you post them, will make it easier on both of us.
Fantastic Sonnet dear and a pure pleasure to read!
Suzi
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Dear Hugh,
Wonderful take on Susan's prompt and it does make us wonder if we did evolve from Monkeys.
From the way mankind is acting it's hard to believe, but then I don't know enough about monkeys to say for sure.
Since the year dot there have always been sins committed and continue to occur because unfortunately that's the way man is.I enjoyed your poem you wrote from Susan's GOLD entry in your SOS contest.
Love Bea
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