The Human Animal – Jane Mayhall

To make me do the thing I will, I won’t.
Facing front, it’s back I turn
to scorn the right intent.
The worse I am, the better do. Against
my own impulse I plot; and overthrown
rise up to govern all I have undone.

To live my life, I’ve lost it. Or reversed,
the greatest loss was living most;
the best I did was least.
By counter causes, grown then capable,
I’ve come to some short pass. And passing still
go on to learn what’s gone, and what I will.