G'day James! What a treat!
I'm so glad John mentioned Bruegel. The poem is very like that! Impossible to paraphrase, completely evocative and provocative, from endearing to chilling, the flavour runs the full gamut really.
The whole thrust of the poem is carried into the final 'name'/word which itself says a lot—the traditional amen of a litany, and I can't help but hear 'ah, men . . .' in a sighing tone of mingled exasperation, disappointment, pity, and, yes, a deep affection for the whole holy mess.
I think the poem is ingenious, imaginative, really smart, rich, has momentum.
For me this litany invokes something about humanity. Probably humanity itself.
This poem will always be more than anything we can say about it. It's so playful!
Cally
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