Poem - Jest by the Gods

[kokopelle]

The poem “Jest by the Gods” is about a transformation that works against an individual. The cocoon does not grow a butterfly. Instead, the caterpillar is entombed.


Jest by the Gods

They say the old must surely die
to allow the new to thrive
a sacrifice that bears new fruit
from the ash of kernels cast

the promise for the hopeful flesh
shed with cocoons in the light
a cheerful plan without regard
for the outcome that then transpires

this is the jest by the gods
revealed as the greatest lie
when the reverse is the truth
culminating in a hollow life

what may be new is no more
put aside before it’s born
rotting while the old conspires
to pretend that life will thrive.

© 2019. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20190904.