#664 - Epicurean

 

27.x.21

664

2.299

EPICUREAN 

 

all the gods exist 

if and as and to the extent 

that they may be believed

 

dreadful role models

for the most part we are of little interest to them 

except as may concern libations, offerings 

hecatomb please

 

think of Homer's Hermes 

how he dislikes skipping over the oceans 

because there's no one there 

along the way to adore him 

 

think of Phemius 

hiding behind some statue 

after Odysseus and Telemachus 

have despatched all the suitors 

the full-on gore filled tragic stage 

       no regrets -- 

those miserable bastards deserved what they got

and the bard is begging for his life

'with every breath of mine 

the gods inspire 

and by the way 

it's all my own material'

 

every poet must be a survivor 

this is a way to live!

 

it isn't the statues that keep gods alive 

it's what's in the human heart