Classic and Contemporary Poetry
RIDDLES, by PATRICK F. KIRBY First Line: Afterwards, let us make riddles Last Line: Not now would we let down the mind's gates. Subject(s): Reason; Intellect; Rationalism; Brain; Mind; Intellectuals | ||||||||
Afterwards, let us make riddles, -- When the mind quickens, and the freed urge Goes probing into dusty corridors, -- Afterward, we may speak Of such things, and make riddles: Not now would we let down the mind's gates! Rather let us eschew profundities; explain No ultimates; let us cogitate simplicities In simple words suiting the dulled brain. Let us talk now of equinoxes in procession, And the red-shift in the spectrum, and mull datum Indicative of uncertainties in light's speed. Let us concern ourselves with nebular recession With Relativity, and the structure of the atom. Only take no heed Of ultimates; have no speech With ghosts; and avoid music! Dangerous Are crickets and Beethoven And all Poetry! speak not of summer nights Fragrant with moonlight; nor of winds Heavy with honeysuckle; nor of lovers That walk softly among the cypresses, Having achieved wisdom! These things are riddles: It is best to avert the eyes. Come, let us discuss the parallaxes of stars, ("The eyes see stars, -- Or something behind eyes --") Or consider the curvature of Space. ("No bound to Omicron, and in Omicron Neither Alpha nor Omega!") Lie still, Lazarus! Not now would we let down the mind's gates. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AGAINST EXCESS OF SEA OR SUN OR REASON by WILLIAM MEREDITH PROVISION FOR THE HIGHER OZONE BODY by WILL ALEXANDER THE BOOK OF THE DEAD MAN (#65) by MARVIN BELL THE MACHINATIONS OF THE MIND by LAURE-ANNE BOSSELAAR WHY FOOL AROUND? by STEPHEN DOBYNS POPHAM OF THE NEW SONG: 1 by NORMAN DUBIE |
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