Gain and loss

I bought an idol made of ivory.

All said it was good; it got its glory.

Who must I be grateful to:

The seller, the maker,

The smuggler, the very tusk

Or the elephant slaughtered?

Is such gain worthy?

I lost the idol made of ivory.

A treasure was it; I got fury.

Who must I blame for the loss:

The inmates, the servants,

The thief, his need and creed

Or the society that valued it?

Is such loss a pity?

Credits and blames on tracing

Would fizzle out to naught.

03.07.2006