One lash! a hundred lashes!
what difference does it make?
Just how much humiliation
can any person take?

What purpose does it serve
in inflicting such savage pain?
Once is bad enough -
so why do it again and again?

What primeval urge have we
that induces such a deed?
Have we not progressed,
or is it inherent in our seed?

Violence begets violence
is something we should know -
So when will we realise
that we reap all that we sow?

(Inspired by TV programme on Penal Australia)