Like Heinrich Himmler, we maintain
we can perform such dismal deeds
in causes lofty and admired –
yet stay just as we are: nice people.

With magic rings of stealth and power
We think to point God’s own finger.
Pretend that we’ll escape the hour
we own up to our own Creator.

Men’s laws do not apply to us.
Our magic rings hide us forever.
Though delegated power appoints us
catspaws of their rightful owner.

Too soon, we’ll realise we’ve become
just shadows of our former selves.
Befouled and odious to folk who
might have once thought better of us.

Clark Nida
12 December, 2019