From all parts of the land they come with their woes
problems, questions, troubles, but no answers.
They gather in hope that unity might divulge
the basis of their  suffering, humiliation, poverty, and ruin.

Little do they surmise that they are but filling roles
which have imprisoned humanity since the first act of rebellion.
Hardly a thought is given to the venerable truth
that light never came to a group but one in solitude.

All present go from table to table:
introductions, greetings as if they did not know
that misery loves company
yet seldom yields deliverance.

The band plays loud, drinks flow freely;
speeches are eloquent, dramas are captivating;
applause is intoxicating, dinnner is nauseating:
all are welded together in a meaningless web.

The gavel thunders the farce to an end:
a handshake here, a farewell there;
dreams unfulfilled, expectations not met --
all depart enroute to the cause of their strife.