BENEATH A CIRCLING SUN

--Tsarina

I have heard the mermaids singing each to each*

And observed the endless cycle of the Phoenix.  

Another rodent in another wheel

Beneath the sun that circles just the same

I've seen the Roc descend upon the beach

And watched the wizard conjure up his tricks
Heard the chimera gnash her jaws of steel

Up at the sun that circles just the same

And the ever-growing knowledge is a leech

Upon the wonder and the magic and the mix

Of discovery and freedom--all that's real

Burns in the sun that circles just the same

Cut leaves off the plant and they're dead

Close the book it has been read

With death of wonder and extinction of magic

Life is quantified; life is tragic

all is mechanized

none can be surprised

And nights are just comprised

Of dreams that the light of our circling sun

Chased into oblivion.

*T.S. Eliot