the cost we can't calculate
is the unknown -
how many lives would be saved
if profits and politics
came second to humanity and togetherness
show that on Life's balance sheet
fear cracks its whip
on the bare backs
of the desperate masses;
so numb to thought
they lean - willingly -
into the lash;
masochists pleading for pain
their pleasure
to cede their control
to those who would deepen
their wounds.
