Contemporary Mythology

The wasteland theory contends that all would be a wasteland inhabited by savages were it not for the intervention of contemporary civilization. The term "civilization" creates a convenient distinction between savage and contemporary man. The savage is obviously incapable of comprehending this concept and civilized man is rarely, if ever, called upon to explain it. Yet free to use it limitlessly to justify whatever he chooses.

And so the language of the poet becomes either the rambling of the wasteland savage or a brilliant linguistic exercise of a perceptive, sensitive contemporary genius.

The Earth endures much in providing the privilege to enjoying her graces,
yet it is ourselves we praise,
not her.

Spiritual sense of wonder lost,
ghostly silhouettes on cave-walls lost
lost to comprehension....