Lear, And Darwin Poem by Will Barber
Lear, And Darwin
The raindrops pound upon the nerves
The winds howl stringently, and sing
A song to fill a winter night, a surge
Of rage against a bitter fate, a king
Who wanders in the blustry snows
Naked to the icy blows.
Never, never, weep for Man.
Refuse all pity, for the pain
That drives him from his native home
Is driven by an urgent drum;
And those who try to save the race
Doom other species in its place.
Deride the dreams of childish ones
Who sing of hope in future times:
Look around, and praise the hours
That toll indifferently to a close.
Then weep a bit, and realise
These are the universal rules.
We grow thinking our fate lies in our own hands as individuals and for the race. But we learn, and it's not a cynical process. The major determining factors are beyond us it seems, and should we take steps that appear to us to accelerate the end then perhaps we fall victim to the delusion again. So, no blame? ? Or do we have just enough - perhaps untraceable - free will to steer this ship safely through some of the storms that the evolution of life and the universe have lying in wait, to extend and enhance our stay. And thereby imply that failure is culpable? ! Or by taking any elective steps for betterment/salvation do we suffer Lear's fate? You imply no free will, Will! I would argue we have enough to give us scope for hope, and for fear, but I'm damned if can argue a convincing case for it. I simply cannot get real traction on it! An unfalsifiable argument on both sides I think. My guess is that your predicted outcome will be correct either way. Great and deeply stimulating, though perhaps appropriately bleak content, expressed with superb poetic skill as always. Excellent use of partial rhymes! No visible stress at all! Loved this. jim
What a shame that the same mental power that allows us to bend the world for sustenance, health or shelter also reveals our mortality.
You have tied this all together beautifully. What a shame that the same mental power that allows us to bend the world for sustenance, health or shelter reveals us our mortality.
This 'rules' in my opinion... a 'universal' masterpiece! Absolutely superb by every measure... a brilliant piece of poetry.
Beautiful interplay of sensory and abstract images to say never, never, never
And those who try to save the race Doom other species in its place. These will be memorable lines for years to come, Will. Very reflective of what has been haunting your heart and mind, what has absented you from the web. We're patiently awaiting your return, a new surge of compassionate pieces. A wonderful poem. Susie xx.
Will. I won't add to the entirely accurate approbations below, save to say that this is an absolute stunner. t x
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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12/4/2025 7:01:10 PM # 1.0.0
DaMm FiNE woRk MY LiEgE, Ur HeaRt hAS GRoWn WinGs, u LeaDEr Of The EvOLutiOn u....... love the toll bit a lot, like a price we pay to pLAy KinG.. aWsome woRk mR WiLLLLLLLL