Stretching the Eternal
“the soul’s survival and residual divinity” ~ Michael Schmidt, The First Poets, 23
The followers of Orpheus, if not
The man himself, desired a lengthening
Of all they thought was mortal, what they thought
Could be like deities, the strengthening
Of what is god-like in humanity.
His music in itself might be the strong
Force for controlling the insanity
Of crazed rites in wine-drunk groves. When the song
Had lyrics added, it might free up souls
Entrapped in lusting only—and make clear
The spirits’ needs. Apollo’s cool controls,
All gold, inspire chorales from longing’s sphere.
Because of him the whitest silent swans
Might learn to sing in everlasting dawns.