The Apparent Need

To be hypocritical,
So the immoral also
Can express moral outrage,

Argue moral defenses,
And eagerly shame others—
Does it not seem to cry out

For serious attention?
Even the most outrageous,
Amoral actors will huff

And seem to believe themselves.
We understand that winning
Means winning good opinion,

But it’s more urgent than that,
Passionate, this need to stand
With the angels, obsessing

Almost all the known devils.
Is it adaptive? Is it
A necessary skill set

For fitness and survival?
Maybe it actually helps
The team. In any event,

No one can do without it.
Watch murderers shout, certain,
They know who’s really sinning.