If there is a spirit of the age, let it out.
Let it play a tune to the rhythm of our time,
And draw together each untwisted strand of twine
To form a tightened rope of all our many meanings.
If there is an essence, let it be felt
By the child side-stepping on a London street,
One arm thrust out to hail the number 9,
While all around the age’s undertow draws
Well shod feet relentlessly through shop-front doors.
Let it be heard in the articulation of the daily news,
And in the voices of consent, and discontent,
In the sounds of morning prayer here,
And in the silence of its absence there.
And let it be explained in the shape of the woman
Walking a hillside in the early autumn rain,
Wearing her husband’s old coat, humming ‘Jerusalem’.
Comments
Dynamaso | May 14, 2009 - 02:27
There is a great graphic novel series (yes, adult comics) written by Warren Ellis called The Authority. The leadership of this group is first by Jenny Sparks, the Spirit of the 20th Century, then by Jenny Quantum, the Spirit of the 21st Century. I love the characters as they are strong, empowered women.
Alan Moore's 'League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' also touches on the subject at one point, as does Ellis' other series 'Planetary'.
It is not a new idea but I really like what you've done with it here. And you've certainly given me some food for thought. Thanks.
littleditty | June 17, 2009 - 23:02
i really liked this poem