He could now be taken seriously
For he had forsworn Lite beer and candy bars
He could devote his formidable erudition
To the expression of his unique
If unprepossessing self

From a distance in the fog
The illuminated sign atop the bridge
Seemed a beacon of triumph
Or a vigil for Santa Lúcia
Whereas in fact it merely enjoined
A speed not to exceed 25 MPH

And in dreams the mighty bridge
Seemed to rise and never crest
And who should attempt its crossing on foot
Would know the meaning of acrophobia
One must never take such steps lightly

And how do we decide and when
That some course of action threatens
So much peril as to preclude its undertaking

A question not to be asked
As if a private problem were a universal law
As if anyone were capable
Of such questions in dreams
As if a gorgoneion were unavailable
For a sum of money

For in dreams we find ourselves
Upon the throne of the blessed sun himself
The planets processing in stately polonaise
Stepping and bowing and displaying their regalia
Like the obedient courtiers they are

Renounce renounce
Fear and lust
Take labor and hardship for your lot
It’s not a foul rag and bone shop
It’s a customer service desk
Efficient and clean
Behind which I have secretly
Composed this document