Robert Bly(b. 1926)
Johnson's Cabinet Watched by Ants
Johnson's Cabinet1 Watched by Ants
i
It is a clearing deep in a forest: overhanging boughs
Make a low place. Here the citizens we know during the day,
The ministers, the department heads,
Appear changed: the stockholders of large steel companies
In small wooden shoes: here are the generals dressed as gamboling
lambs.
Tonight they burn the rice-supplies; tomorrow
They lecture on Thoreau;2 tonight they move around the trees,
Tomorrow they pick the twigs from their clothes;
Tonight they throw the fire-bombs, tomorrow
They read the Declaration of Independence; tomorrow they are in
Church.)
Ants are gathered around an old tree.
In a choir they sing, in harsh and gravelly voices,
Old Etruscan3 songs on tyranny.
Toads nearby clap their small hands, and join
The fiery songs, their five long toes trembling in the soaked earth.
RBERT CREELEY
b. 1926