As a result of personal observations of state institutions for the mentally handicapped, the author describes the tragic and inhuman conditions with vivid examples of specific patients and incidents. The account further explores the entire concept of human abuse which is propagated both by social institutions (such as the prison system) and by society's apathy (such as racial segregation). The author examines the historical prevalence of human abuse and asserts the belief that the responsibility and guilt lies with all of mankind. Written in verse format, a section of the text discusses concepts of evil, good, hope, love and related aspects inherent in the human condition. The author, in describing the despicable and pessimistic conditions, provides information on incidence, expenditure allotments per state, legislative progress and problems, the author's address to the Massachusetts legislature, and the author's experience while visiting a Nazi concentration camp. A selected, annotated bibliography on human abuse is presented. (RD)