Avarice

Summary

Frank Mansela’s poem offers a stern reflection on the insatiable nature of greed. Opening with the observation that ‘it never is enough,’ the poem lists the successive desires that drive human ambition: one want gives rise to another, each temporarily satisfied but soon replaced by new cravings. Mansela condemns avarice as a fever that makes the world turn, describing people who gamble and flaunt their wealth while ignoring those who labour honestly. He notes the paradox that those who are most consumed by desire often have little time to enjoy their wealth. The poem’s imagery of a ‘grasping hand’ and a ‘hard‑faced gambler’ evokes a world where material gain eclipses moral and emotional well‑being. In its concise lines, the poem conveys a moral message: greed is a self‑perpetuating trap that blinds people to the joys of simplicity and generosity. Mansela contrasts the hollowness of avarice with the possibility of contentment, implying that true happiness comes from moderation and compassion rather than accumulation. The poem can be read as a cautionary reminder relevant across cultures and eras: unlimited ambition leads to spiritual emptiness and regret. Its simplicity makes it accessible to readers of any age, while its ethical insight aligns closely with Jain teachings on non‑attachment and the dangers of greed.