You can see poetry pausing during World War Two.
The pentameter continued, but in truth, the poets didn’t know what to do.
Ashamed they weren’t fighting, ashamed they didn’t see it coming
(some of the poets were gardening, some of them were sunning),
they now rush to write their indignant verses
but they know they are too late.
Poetry pauses, insensate.
No use for Robert Lowell to sing in couplets.
What does Robert Lowell know of World War Two?
Muriel Rukeyser is crying as she fries cutlets
and her poem is almost ready—she blames war on human loneliness.
Everyone is lonely. Is this the reason for World War Two?
The historian celebrates Christmas. Weapons improve with the years.
Joseph Obvious apologizes to Sara Subtlety,
“I will explain. Can I come over tonight and talk to you?”