To a Modern Guy Fawkes

Destroy what is incomprehensible !

Erase the writing that can give the lie !

Ignore, decry, but do not reason with

The point of view that’s indefensible.

Kill your opponent !  Do not question why,

Or whether in his argument is pith !

Let no one claim a creed is possible

That is not yours; blow it to bits on high

With no memorial !  Keep to your monolith;

To shatter what you fear is sensible !

So do we all, detesting to be faced

With what disturbs our poise; but let us ware,

Lest we should find, for want of tolerance fair,

We on the pyre our dearest hopes have placed !

 

Weekly Times     4.11.60