What devils do not do is to repay
evil with other evil
on the contrary, they give free reign

to reason and unreason
as a bet
that humans can survive

and live together
if only they are reasonable
and modest

about their contribution, content
with anonymous honour
for what has been achieved

thanks also to the vandals
and the barbarians who always come
to make room

Avengers are left standing
they often mean well
but they commit atrocities

that are unforgivable and soon
can no longer be explained
and therefore cannot be justified

Even if they settle a wrong
they increase injustice, accumulate
guilt upon guilt

There are stories of
sweet revenge, justice at last
but nothing changed