NOW

To say what is the matter now
Every one knows, and doesn't know
And fears to know they know
The full horrible wonder
Of themselves - and accept
The whole despicable span of nature
Which is Us.

The earth is a killing ground
Eat or be eaten - is the Fact.
Godlike energy for life is bursting
Through the supposedly gentle
Sentimental mish mash of morality.
That spurious gentility which kills
While smiling, even praying, caring...
Concerning...which are but words..
Breath on the air.

We are in a shriving time
Of transfiguration,
Purging our elaborate persona
Of assumptions, pretentions, predictions
Beyond all our dreamt
And undreamt of imaginings.

Old famines, new plagues rear before sciences
We thought had banned them
Securely sealed for germ warfare
Only we could declare.
Who holds the other key
To the Gates of Chaos we should have shut forever?
Is it turning in the lock?

We have dispensed with God
But not the Devil
He still believes in Us!