As turtle to the sea,
So the next century will be
Mere addendum to this,
For no dutiful sense
Can ever be evinced
From necessitarian prejudice.
Necessity is a denial of all that inspires and regales -
It negates value. If we witness any person or event,
Any object or quality that uplifts, ennobles or touches us
With something latent we respond to, the cause is not patent
To the fact-finding functionary. Though the experience leaves the object
With an incarnate value, ever potent to lift our hearts,
Show our hidden side, introduce changes in our lives -
Such judgments ripen despite pressure of work and marts.
If I could find one animal to stake a claim
For what a free spirit can do within the frame
Of natural necessity, I’d take the otter.
See how his quick-silver body
Thrashes with web-toed alacrity
Through the swift and stubborn water!
Weaned on freedom, he lives to give it content
By aping Pegasus, by being virtue in its element:
Not hurled by false hopes, like us, into the flood,
But one with the water, one with the creative
Whelming tide of Nature facultative,
He is moulded by water, rushing aside for blood!
A catlike head breaks water. He surveys his revelry.