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{solipsisms} peter fernbach A philosophy to avoid for most, but for me The best protection against laws and ethics Slated towards the already bloated. At conception We are all initiated into the war of all against all. Baby’s body engages in the eternal struggle For resources: an impulse towards war - An impulse which, at best, begets New technologies (for transportation, communication) Or, at worst, new ways to slaughter ourselves (Neutron bombs and blitzkriegs). How is any one in this sea of the equally needy To provide for themselves without ramparts, weapons, fences? This is, perhaps, too extreme a view. After all, it was sweet Ms. Stockmire Who, in the first grade, taught me That sharing is a form of receiving – And, with her arm around my heaving frame I thought I also felt the virtue of forgiveness Towards dirty faced Tommy who had Smashed my artwork with his heavy fist. But the forthright mediator is not here And my detractors aren’t just sloppy Philistines: They are shrewd and exacting And wear smiles until all of the blood is drained. O, America with the “HUGE” deals on cars - Grasping for credit with one hand While scooping up discounted furniture with the other – You are like Tommy’s alcoholic father – In a trance that renders up down and down up: Just one more one more one more That will be the cure. The furniture of the world should be In our service, rather than the Target of acquisition and study Beyond usefulness. That’s why Every time I am pitched a miracle Or a curve ball I try to remember That the self is the center of the universe. |
