Variations on a Theme

Looking upon a free man we are freed,

Looking upon a slave we feel our fetters:

Sights may be bad or very good indeed.

Out of the fingers of slim Ganymede

Zeus takes the cup, still dreaming of the bearer:

Most drinks are bad, his very good indeed.

A critic makes me subject to his creed,

Then humors me as Dupee humored Auden:

"When you're not bad, you're very good indeed."

Somber or light, the mind of man is keyed

To contraries. Depending on love's weather

This world is bad or very good indeed.