Sin

How clever, he who thought to name a sin
For many things to which we’re so inclined,
Since after all, such things must be defined
As devilish before we can begin
To shed our natures like a serpent’s skin,
And give our souls to God; but we’re designed
To smile and nod and say that we don’t mind,
While countless agonies recoil within.
The faithful love to gluttonise their creed,

While envying the ones who in their pride
Can cast such slothful credences aside;
They damn the things they loathe yet feel they need,
And show their wrath each time they are denied
Synthetic lust and artificial greed.

About E. Shaun Russell

E. Shaun Russell is a musician, writer and formalist poet based in Vancouver, Canada. Much of his work in all three genres is grounded in secular humanism, which is a large part of why you will find his work on this site! His poetry has appeared or is forthcoming in many journals including Whistling Shade, Main Street Rag, Contemporary Sonnet, The Deronda Review and The PEN among others.

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