"...Pangloss...the oracle of the house...proved admirably
that in this best of all possible worlds...all is for the best."
Voltaire, Candide
When the Doctor said "All's for the best
in this best of all possible worlds,"
I said Doctor who?
and I said this is a fine conceit
what's the punch line?
and I said wait for the coda the fat lady the epilogue and
don't trade your life for what's behind the final curtain
and I said meekness has its merits
but don't hold your breath waiting for death
because some cosmic will and testament
said you could inherit the earth tomorrow
if you let the rich have it today
I said the second coming sure is taking its time
one hell of a Budweiser break
and even the millennium watchers
are getting ready to close up shop
I said I've been fine tuning my cynicism for years
not to get caught with my knickers
bunched around my ankles and limping
to reach the finish line before the next guy
I said I'm tired of people saying
this or that horror must've happened for a reason
I said getting your fair share is a revolutionary fantasy
and until the coming of that dubious day
I propose we get out the shovels and hoes
and tend this proverbial garden
and until we are lilies of the field
we best keep the scarecrows posted
or the vultures and magpies will feast on the flesh
of our seasons of fruit.
nina corwin
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