TEMPLE

Do not turn your back on this temple

a multitude of gods have settled here

this temple is rife with living truth

here the brain discusses the brain

wonder sings of wonders and counterwonders

brutes and bumblebees are studied here

there are universes on the shelves

sorrow-stanching alphabets

heretical letters take wing

reason runs on the water

tormentors waste away

autocrats are brought down children crowned

(skulls in the rain skulls in the sun)

here there is meaning amid mystification

can one learn to die here and live?

here the swollen holy word halts

the final verdict is shredded

do not turn your back on this temple