Chapter 17 IT WAS VERY GOOD

(Genesis 1:31)

I saw these shambles in my youth, and said

There is no God! No Pitiful presides

Over such obsequies as these. The end

Alike is darkness whether foe or friend,

Beast, man or flower the event abides.

There is no heaven for the hopeful dead-

No better haven than forgetful sod

That smothers limbs and mouth and ear