The Totality of Our Nature

“True, we know that the outstanding individual will never let the limits of his occupation dictate the limits of his activity. But a mediocre talent will consume in the office assigned him the whole meagre sum of his powers, and a man has to have a mind above the ordinary if, without detriment to his calling, he is still to have time for the chosen pursuits of his leisure.” – Friedrich von Schiller (1759-1805).
 
Wedded 
Without seduction 
To Art’s delights and 
Wisdom’s dignity. 
 

Return: 
 
Before poetry tumbled 
In the hayloft with wit 
And speculation spread 
For sophistry’s purse. 
 
Now: fragments uncombined 
Nature torn to ribbons 
 
A shambles. 
 
Clock-work ingenious 
Where the master within us 
Dismantles our cogs 
 
Empty subtleties and 
Pinched pedantry 
Cold and narrow hearts 
 

Glass-armed eyes 
Bending absolute light