the SeaWolf

Jack London's SeaWolf postulates a soul
distinct from intellect or fleshly shell
that can't be pent up in a box or hole
but may deserve eternity in Hell
a revolution by the Working Class
earns two conspirators a briny grave
and Humphrey doubts he merited a pass
for sitting out the action like a knave
his wealth and privilege can't make a man
but neither can mere grudging toil suffice
it's more the joie de vivre and elan
that elevates a human above mice
a microcosm bounded by a ship
is stage enough to play out a life's trip