Bards freezing, naked, up to the neck in water, <br />wholly in dark, time limited, different from <br />initiations now: <br />the class in writing, clothed & dry & light, <br />unlimited time, till Poetry takes some, <br />nobody reads them though, <br /> <br />no trumpets, no solemn instauration, no change; <br />no commissions, ladies high in soulful praise <br />(pal) none, <br />costumes as usual, turtleneck sweaters, loafers, <br />in & among the busy Many who brays <br />art is if anything fun. <br /> <br />I say the subject was given as of old, <br />prescribed the technical treatment, tests really tests <br />were set by the masters & graded. <br />I say the paralyzed fear lest one's not one <br />is back with us forever, worsts & bests <br />spring for the public, faded.<br /><br />John Berryman<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/dream-song-125-bards-freezing-naked-up-to-the-ne/
