Bards freezing, naked, up to the neck in water,

wholly in dark, time limited, different from

initiations now:

the class in writing, clothed & dry & light,

unlimited time, till Poetry takes some,

nobody reads them though,

no trumpets, no solemn instauration, no change;

no commissions, ladies high in soulful praise

(pal) none,

costumes as usual, turtleneck sweaters, loafers,

in & among the busy Many who brays

art is if anything fun.

I say the subject was given as of old,

prescribed the technical treatment, tests really tests

were set by the masters & graded.

I say the paralyzed fear lest one’s not one

is back with us forever, worsts & bests

spring for the public, faded.