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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CARNIVAL by CALE YOUNG RICE

First Line: EARTHIS THE MERRY-GO-ROUND OF THE DEVIL
Last Line: AND RIDE, FRIEND, FOR NONE RIDES TWICE.
Subject(s): CARNIVALS; DEVIL; LAUGHTER; LOVE; SATAN; MEPHISTOPHELES; LUCIFER; BEELZEBUB;

Earth is the merry-go-round of the Devil,
Swung from his thumb with a mocking tune.
Mount your hobby, a good or an evil,
And ride, friend, in sun or moon.
Straddle your art, trade, or profession;
Ride to laughter, ride amid groans:
For a brief hour you hold possession,
Then you pay for it -- with your bones.
"All for Love" is the first tune played you;
How you lean to it in your seat!
"Gold Is Good, It Is Gold Has Made You"
Is the next -- it seems complete.
"Power Is the Goal the Gods Covet"
Sounds then, and you spur your speed.
"Art Is Life -- or the Best of It"
Breaks in and you chant the creed.
@3Earth is the merry-go-round of the Devil,
Mount your hobby -- and pay the price;
Choose the tune, a good or an evil,
And ride, friend, for none rides twice.@1



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