The River
O river who wind away from view
I speak to you more confidently than to
Most of the people who live in sight of your banks.
Your sinuosities are better than a brain pan
Dry as a scoured saucepan, or a frying-pan
Left on the fire till all its thoughts are smoke,
More likely to take in and remember
Or to turn deftly into something interesting
Whatever words come floating down from me.
—C.H. Sisson (1914-2003)
from Collect Poems
Carcanet Press (2000)
COMMENTARY
A “modern age” in which the thinkers who ought to be philosophers prefer the role of imperial entrepreneurs will have to go through many convulsions before it has got rid of itself, together with the arrogance of its revolt, and found the way back to the dialogue of mankind with its humility. Eric Voegelin, CW Vol 17, The Ecumenic Age, 252.