I am negative yet without poles.

I am devious yet unconcerned.

I am capitalist yet without politics.

I am a taker yet not at all a giver.

I am grasping yet am without grip.

I am sleazy yet not within motels.

I am crude yet without going nude.

I am gainful yet I am not winsome.

I am desire yet without goodness.

I am a trait yet am not to be envied.

I am needy yet without satisfaction.

I am in rhyme with creed yet do not.

WHAT AM I?

Last edition’s Fustigator: Glory