Inspired by the book 1984.

“The Last Gentleman”

"No fall is too great
To wound the souls of man,"
I said, foolish and youthful

But she said "Is that not conceited?
What of murder, addiction, spite,
hate, ignorance, neglect?
What of a child's weeping soul?
What of a grown man reduced to servitude?
Are you implying that these are nothing?"

"These are something,
for sure,
but you must understand,
nothing can destroy the heart of man.
His courage unwavering,
even in the face of that.
He can solve any obstacle,
destroy every doubt.
Why must you question
his saintliness?"

I was sure I had her beat,
though the seed had been planted
And,
as I awaited,
she chuckled and said,

"Courage is nothing.
Evil prevails.
Goodness shall be for not
if all men are villains."

"That argument is baseless!
Where do you see this?
I am a man,
standing here today,
not killing,
not plundering,
not raping,
not destroying.
If all men are villains,
then what is your explanation."

"My explanation is simple, you see.
I meant not that you are evil,
but that men himself is evil.
If just a man were to kill,
and just a man were to steal,
and just a man were to rape,
and just a man were to destroy,
then that man would be an anomaly.
But,
as it stands,
you are the anomaly.
You are the last gentleman
in a world of cretins."

And,
as I searched for arguing words,
in my soul I realized she was right.
"I am the last gentleman."
I repeated slowly.
And I waited,
and waited,
and none disagreed.