Seven Sins

I think we need not fear
to sin, for sin has grown
less deadly. Take avarice. The bankers have,
and yet it seems that they will own
the world and more.

Wrath now, conflict, war
still spreads, and righteousness is good
for politicians. The troops
must be supported, it's understood.

Gluttony is plentiful. We have food
and waste, and also there is hunger.
Oddly this is not
a cause of widespread anger.
(Wrath has better targets.)

Lust is a thing that marketers love
since they use bodies to sell
cars, doorknobs, or magazines
and they do it very well.

Pride has become self-promotion, a tool
of fortune in our era.
The quiet person is thought a fool,
and forgotten. They are not envied.
(Envy is the beloved of pride.)

Last I will speak of sloth: to fail at greed
at pride, at war, to not lust
or be lusted after is to be called slothful.
Perhaps this too is just.
(Is it pride to say
I will adjust?)