What is man?
“Bones!” says a doctor,
“A tissue of flesh and a gall,
Heart, liver, and brains;
A few limbs and muscles—
That is all!”

What is man?
“Brains!” says the teacher,
“Some thought-cells directed by nerves,
A few doubts and delusions;
Some feelings and fears;
Regrets and reserves!”

What is man?
“Soul!” says the preacher,
“A spirit that knows no decay,
A breath of God-life;
An embodied soul-spirit—
Not mere clay!”

What is man?
“My image!” says God,
“A soul that may yet mount a throne,
Or will its own death;
Having choice of these two;
Banishment or home.”