Democrat, Illinois - The ElectroLounge

!
xxxi. Remedial
!
Many Musics
second series (continued)
“Beware & be aware.”
The way is called dis-illusion, say again,
walk the humble path among shifting men
& common ideas. Reck the tallest wall & how
its indefensible hours nears. Great glaring
tome, too, ivory & gold, god to minions &
artillery, later come its burn, blind smiling dust.
The way is called dis-illusion, that
any heart finer than its bowels, that
any golden vessel of faiths not some long,
subtle hustle for sweet young meat or
a begged home beyond the soil. Not to die
another ragged man buried in undone vows.
The way is called dis-illusion, waking hour’s
new brutal reports, no bridge of glass high
enough for silence. All passes, & passes again.
Everything shits, everything’s soil. What comfort
in breathing, a meal of warm bread, safe
nest, laughing voice, music & starlight.
The way is called dis-illusion. No despair
a distant flame might not distract. No ecstasy
a street corner & errant carriage might
not crush. One night we drink & eat & roar,
swaying masters of the great feast. Another
broken, world again a blunt, endless cage.
Raymond Soulard, Jr.
17
!"#$%#&'()#$*$+,$*$-.&#$/001!