Too keen a sense of peril

We bask in alienation

And name tendencies in silent concern:

Mediocrity, mirrors, rhythm, ease,

Terror, guilt, prose, deceit.

Silence where truth might unify.

Names suggest themselves

In analysis:

Too keen a sense of peril,

Defensive, bent in prayer

For security, serenity.

The beast turns new faces

Towards us, yet nameless.

The named. More powerful for

Having been so.

Why so full with naming?

Bent on Adam’s task, helpless,

I embiggen that I name.

I embiggen that I name.

Too keen a sense of peril.

No! In danger live the treasures:

Icons, idols, ancient texts in treatment

Of what might be found in mirrors,

What might be built on those foundations.

How embarrassing an invasion,

A plundering of my treasure.

These artifacts, findings,

This research must not be uncovered.

A plunderer’s unrestraint might

Prove vanity of my treasure.