The Cuddled Little Vice (Sandman) Highlight

This is the thing that Aristotle knew
The single thing that brings all crashing down
That spreads the mortal plague around the town
Laws that apply no matter what you do
No matter all your virtue. It is pride
To think yourself exception, that your sin
The cuddled little vice you keep within
Will not corrode and everything will slide
Collapse like card house fall like dominoes
Endless slow motion of stern nemesis
Takes everything away and leaves you this
Regret for one first thing you poorly chose
Before. Not seen your sad friends turn their face
Your books and deeds slow line by line erase

-Roz Kaveney, untitled 2024 poem