An Epithaliamium <br /> <br /> So Man, grown vigorous now, <br /> Holds himself ripe to breed, <br /> Daily devises how <br /> To ejaculate his seed <br /> And boldly fertilize <br />The black womb of the unconsenting skies. <br /> <br /> Some now alive expect <br /> (I am told) to see the large, <br /> Steel member grow erect, <br /> Turgid with the fierce charge <br /> Of our whole planet's skill, <br />Courage, wealth, knowledge, concentrated will, <br /> <br /> Straining with lust to stamp <br /> Our likeness on the abyss- <br /> Bombs, gallows, Belsen camp, <br /> Pox, polio, Thais' kiss <br /> Or Judas, Moloch's fires <br />And Torquemada's (sons resemble sires). <br /> <br /> Shall we, when the grim shape <br /> Roars upward, dance and sing? <br /> Yes: if we honour rape, <br /> If we take pride to Ring <br /> So bountifully on space <br />The sperm of our long woes, our large disgrace.<br /><br />Clive Staples Lewis<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/prelude-to-space/
