The poem critiques the theory of literature in Plato’s Republic.
If fair Philosophy could be the king
and Poets only truth and goodness sing,
that, Plato thought, would be the ideal state.
So, Homer’s gone. His gods do not relate
to Plato’s pure and perfect, frosty Forms.
Lies of the Poets violate our norms!
So, Agamemnon’s and Achilles’ pride,
Hector, loyal to the losing side,
the soldiers, waiting, dying in the dust
for Helen’s whoredom and for Paris’ lust.
Priam’s new humility, hard-won,
to gain rest for the soul of his lost son.
Odysseus, willing the wide world to roam,
to see once more Penelope and home:
Is this not truth? The Guardians are clear:
“You there! Keep moving. Nothing to see here.”
Brilliant! Thank you!