The Assumption

 

 

                         Sight is without perception

                         Has no optical nerve

                         Its vision no comment

                         A stone looks back

                         With equal passivity

                         As does all nature.

 

 

                         We preen ourselves

                         As an insect must

                         In moments of repose

                         Pleasure is ephemeral

                         A mirage within the mind

                         Shall the shadows fall

                         Upon his antennae

                         Just as swiftly?

 

 

                         And so to the ancient's parable

                         Pray with the pig

                         As he prays to his God

                         With the supernatural snout

                         Pray that he is right

                         As we are right in our assumption

 

 

 

                                                           Jack Mashman

                                                           1986