Exegesis

From the Towers:

Insanity is not a want of reason.

It is reason's overgrowth, a calculating kudzu.

Explaining why, in two-ton manifesti, thinkers sally forth

with testaments and pipe bombs. Heaven help us:

spare us all your meaningful designs. Shine down or

shower forth, but (for the earthling's sake) ignore

all prayers followed by against, or for. Teach us to bear

life's senselessness, our insignificance, and more;

let's call that sanity. The terrifying prospect isn't some

escapist with a novel, fond of comfort, munching sweets—

it is the busy hermeneut, so serious he's sour, intent on making

meaning of us all, and bursting from the towers to the streets.

Heather McHugh.