Shadow Puppets

 

In ignorance, take comfort from the flame

that, kindled in the heart of your despite,

shall purge from pages Wisdom’s hated name,

and warm your deep’ning corridors of night.

 

Be blessed by your sweet certainty of right,

add fuel with every word you speak in heat;

how mesmerising is the fire bright,

for in your mind your learning is complete.

 

The thought of new ideas is obsolete,

the flame has burned its imprint in your mind;

within your cave its pattern is so sweet,

the shadows on the wall have made you blind.

 

And when the fire has died to ash and gone,

naught but the smoky promise lingers on.