That public men publish falsehoods
Is nothing new. That America must accept
Like the historical republics corruption and empire
Has been known for years.
Be angry at the sun for setting
If these things anger you. Watch the wheel slope and turn,
They are all bound on the wheel, these people, those warriors,
This republic, Europe, Asia.
Observe them gesticulating,
Observe them going down. The gang serves lies, the passionate
Man plays his part; the cold passion for truth
Hunts in no pack.
You are not Catullus, you know,
To lampoon these crude sketches of Caesar. You are far
From Dante’s feet, but even farther from his dirty
Political hatreds.
Let the boys want pleasure, and men
Struggle for power, and women perhaps for fame,
And the servile to serve a Leader and the dupes to be duped.
Yours is not theirs.
WOW!! That’s strong stuff, so appropriate to our times. Thank you for giving us something to think about. ‘This, too, shall pass.’ We can only hope.
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Sometimes the bigger picture is hard to come by.
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You are speaking for us who are less articulate, but no less angry. Thank you
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Hi Dag. It’s Robinson Jeffers speaking from another time in our tumultuous history. Interesting, ehh?
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There is nothing new under the sun
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I think I like this poem. Reasons not exactly clear…
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Robinson Jeffers is definitely worth reading.
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John, thank you for continuing this theme.
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I thought Jeffers’ poem, written in 1941, lent some scope to current affairs. As Richard said, “There is nothing new under the sun.”
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Yes, I would agree. The abuses of the truth is a reality. Since I teach American History may students don’t always understand the challenge of determining the truth.
John, thanks again for stressing this issue.
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A great one, John! Been in Sac at a leadership conference and I feel better than I did! Hugs!
S
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Thanks, John. Also appreciated your poem yesterday. Looking forward to seeing you in a few days. Safe travels.
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Thankyou John:
For this posting.
We’re headed home from delivering 3 bulls to the Kilbee Ranch in the St John’s basin, 2 hours North from our place. I’m enraptured and thankful for your new chapbook and so glad as well to read some Jeffers here, a door I’m embarrassed to say I’ve not opened. Wonderful stuff! Give my regards to all at the Gathering. I will sorely miss being there.
Best regards,
Sean
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Will do!
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