The Echoing Oracle (1975)
(inspired by a graduate seminar in German Baroque poetry)
Oh tell us, mighty oracle of all!
-- All! All!
What think you of our despoiled earth?
-- Dearth! Dearth!
What shall be the final fate of all?
-- Fall! Fall!
What is your attitude towards men from earth?
-- Mirth! Mirth!
What of their many paths to God?
-- Odd! Odd!
Even if they be orthodox?
-- Ox! Ox!
And the politicians of our nation?
-- Shun! Shun!
Does nobility of man still sanctify?
-- Fie! Fie!
What then are man's ideals?
-- Deals! Deals!
Have we lost anything but our innocence?
-- Sense! Sense!
Is this not our finest hour?
-- Sour! Sour!
Think you not, utopia is near?
-- Sneer! Sneer!
Shall we go to war to create peace as welcome interlude?
-- Lewd! Lewd!
Who then among all mortals has a chance?
-- Ants! Ants!
Dick Hacken