I know. I'm old. I can't see the future. I don't see
The parts of the present which may coalesce into
Something impressive someday. In contrast to
Coherent efforts to progress, to capture the light,
To hail the machine, to rub away preciousness,
Sentiment, hobby-horse rhythm in favor of natural
Sounds, I find gimmicks and egos, disorganized
Ugliness, culture a relic, brought down by decay.
Is our Western civilization like me, sensecent,
Exhausted? Must it be replaced? I think it must,
But I could be wrongly mistaking my state for the age.