Zenith of mount
Apex of all
No peak to high
No aim too tall
He reaches, he strains;
He wears himself thin. 
He toils, he strives; 
His drive to be perfection's kin. 

O mighty indeed
But the goal causes fall. 
Prodigious intellect 
But not wisdom for one, save all. 
He hath tried and hath fought for
What he still wills to attain. 
"Eminence" and "Pinnacle";
"Crown of Man" the title he wishes to claim. 

But how you have strayed!
The world watches and waits. 
Sneering and jeering
As languishes one who was great. 
To be escalated and elevated
Indeed he did intend,
Instead stumbled and staggered 
And only did he descend. 

Shadow of self
Shell of past
A look none will give
To him a glance none will cast. 
"Dunderhead" and "Derelict";
"Schlemiel" is his name. 
Ne'er to be remembered
Is his former fame. 

There are few who know
Fewer who understand
But should you be aware
You would weep o'er this man. 
Power, glory, and strength
Were to be his right hand
But dishonor, poverty, and disgrace
Are now the garland upon his head.