The Jester

Myths from earth's childhood tell Of Godhood visible,-- Indra, the azure-skied, Four-handed, thousand-eyed; Far-wandering Isis, chief Lady of Love and Grief; Zeus, on each rash revolt Hurling the thunderbolt; Woden of warrior form Gray-mantled with the storm; Lir of the foam-white hair, Mad with the sea's despair.

But of those Splendors who Conceived the kangaroo, With gesture humorous Shaped hippopotamus, Intoned the donkey's bray And, in an hour of play, Taught peacocks how to strut? Holy is Allah, but Is holiness expressed In hedgehogs? Whence the jest? Even in creation's dawn Was Puck with Oberon?