And when she saw the Muses of Poesie standing by my bedside, dictating the words of my lamentations, she was moved awhile to wrath, and her eyes flashed sternly. ‘Who,’ said she, 'has allowed yon play-acting wantons to approach this sick man—these who, so far from giving medicine to heal his malady, even feed it with sweet poison? These it is who kill the rich crop of reason with the barren thorns of passion, who accustom men’s minds to disease, instead of setting them free.
Boethius – Consolation of Philosophy.
For poetry was all written before time was…
Ralph Waldo Emerson.
The following was penned in 1985. A couple of tweaks here and there, and at a stretch it’s covid-19 appropriate.
Legacy of Power
The dogs are restless yesterday – they were tomorrow night.
It’s in the air, the Cat did say – it rides upon the light.
The Owl, wise as any bird, he rarely missed a trick.
But the news, alas, he hadn’t heard – poor thing he felt quite sick,
The Fox, he pleaded ignorance, t’was nowt to do with me.
The Weasel, speechless, in a trance – there’s nothing I could see.
Thunder, said the Magpie – that’s the sound it made.
I’ve not seen my wife and children since – never known them so afraid.
One for sorrow said the Rat – there’s funny goings on,
I saw a rabbit chase a cat – heard Thrush without a song.
The truth from Rat, unusually – a Pig said with surprise.
Sarcastically – a rarity, like when my brother flies.
No time for jokes, Hyena said. A smile upon his face.
I fear my wife and child are dead – they vanished without trace.
The family’s not a worry. A worm appeared to roar.
They left in such a hurry, cried a panic-stricken boar.
Protect the young, a goose was heard to say - she said it with much pride.
“You didn’t worry yesterday – that cannot be denied.”
Who said that? And what’s it mean?
The goose was clearly miffed
Come out, own up, be brave, be seen - our spirits need a lift.
A hush befell the gathered crowd – the air with tension charged
An ass stepped through, with head so proud…
Or rather, gently barged.
There! Perched upon the Donkey’s back, though looking rather frail
Truth to tell, he looked a wreck – but Owl wouldn’t fail.
Forgive me, Goose, did I set you back?
Then perhaps I’ll try a different tack.
To you, I may well seem unfair – but then I’m not convinced you truly care.
Protect the young, I heard you say. And yes, that’s why they’ve gone away
Yet had we done things differently, they’d still be here with you and me.
Didn’t I warn you of the dangers faced? In such a quandary I was placed.
Poor Owl’s mad – he’s lost his head. The only thing you ever said.
Oh Goose! You worked there night and day,
You sold your soul to earn your pay.
You bowed to their barbarity, thus waved farewell to you and me!
Your Mother can’t believe her eyes.
Soft breezes echo all her sighs.
It’s only over-zealous fools will tamper with their mother’s rules.
I really can’t believe the fact, that you with gay abandon act.
I warned you many moons ago, the seeds of danger that you sow.
You hypocrites are all the same, to you it seems life’s just a game.
Well, foolishly you played with fire.
As one, we’ll suffer Nature’s ire.
See the Ostrich smiles with sheltered eyes
To some it’s such a great surprise.
It’s no good asking my advice – you risked it, now you’ll pay the price.
I’ve spent my whole life telling you, what creatures with this power do.
Come closer friends, you’ll never see – the air’s gone stale for you and me.
Your faith in something you can’t see, gives rise to certain irony.
The end for us is drawing near, yet may I go with conscience clear.
One or two contrived rhymes - suggestions welcome. Thanks.