Ship Poem

 

We did Donne when Donne was done.

This was back in 71.

When we were done with Donne

Then we did Herbert

And Vaughn and Traherne before sherbet.

And those who were inclined to Pope.

Were very much inclined to dope.

And those who declined to Wallace Stevens

Were left alone.  We had our reasons.

You is young and you think you’re wise.

Then your museum burns down and your elephant dies.

Many years have passed and it isn’t far

Through Villion, Nashe and then Dunbar.

You is gettin’ old and you think you’re wise.

Then your museum burns down and your elephant dies.

More years have passed and now I see

I’m very much inclined to me

In my little boat on the wine dark sea.

You is old and you think you’re wise.

Then your museum burns down and your elephant dies.