Photographs Above The Desk (Amphisbaenics) Poem by Ernest Hilbert

In the photographs, stark portions of time
Are stalled. The poets pose in snow, with pets,
Gripping drinks, arching brows, playing the part.
Possum, perched stiffly, can't help but emit
Grim rays of disapproval. On the step
At Faber, young Hughes rests in the jawed trap
Of Auden and Eliot (the Raja) ,
Plotting his escape from their gray, regal
Company, and so (under which liar)
We see three whole generations ajar.
So thank God for gin, whiskey, and lager,
Publisher's parties. Let the critics rail.
Too much chat of gyres, grails, gods, Rose, or Rood
Will leave a young man questing for the door.