Four Copper Men

The statue described in this poem does not exist, but there is a similar statue by a fountain in Parque Central in Estepona, Spain.

Four Copper Men
There is a copper statue by a fountain made of gold
Four rusted men look at you- eyes wide open, tales untold
And all the passers by prefer the fountain and the park
A glance upon the statue and their bright faces turn dark
The metal men are two and two, some standing, some low down
Each holds a word in just one hand, and each one wears a frown

The first man, on his knees, tries hard to hide his small word "FEAR"
His bare back and his legs are scarred, and in one eye a tear
The second has two burdens, one a whip, the other "HATE"
He strikes man one- immobile in his undeserved fate
Man three faces the other way- "INACTION" is his word
He wears a suit and, hand on hip, finds one and two absurd
The fourth man's in a wheelchair, by his side the word "REGRET"
His face bears every time he swore I'll help, just not quite yet

From each man's eyes, one can surmise that he is not to blame
Some greater force has put him there, and yet it's such a shame
That in this golden fountain world we can't seem to provide
Man one with hope, or two with love, or three with worthier pride
As you pass through the park, my friend, I'll wonder just once more
Will you step up and change the world, or will you be man four?