the symbol not the thing

what meaning sits inherent in the gem
must be translated by the better sort
not those who in the muddy fields cavort
but who the vulgar and the wild contemn
the elegant who are from stern to stem
the ones who know just how best to comport
themselves who will not with foul fiends consort
but will exactly weigh judge and condemn
now we mistake the doer for the deed
the arbiter for what he must decide
and that will lead to worship of the fake
we are too eager to confuse true need
with what we really want to see applied
and that too often leads to grave mistake