DEFENSES

“If you want to be safe, the world is full of devices
And stratagems, like walls and fences, locks
And keys, or bows and arrows, tomahawks.
The Greeks used ritual prayers and sacrifices,

But backed them up with pikes and javelins,
Crossbows, catapults and cannons had
Their day, with armored horses, Damascus blades,
Chain-mail and mace and battle-ax and mines.

Today technology complicates the scene,
So you turn to meditation and martial arts
And Galahad’s boasted purity of heart
In hopes philosophy will supervene.

As for me, I’m lucky, I admit:
“I’m a bubble-bug, and I have spit.”

(158, Sept 16, 1994)

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