Portrait of the Artist as a Young Fool

What are we to make
Of this arrogant man
Who, proud in his lake
Scorns the open seas?
He, who, in his knowledge of life
Retains only what he wants
Leaving his narrowing path rife
With discarded facts.
He, who of science
Cares only for retorts
He, who artifice despises
Practicing only Art.
Of what use this man
Given all the elements
Speaks only Air?
Oh, best to leave him, then
In his Laputa of the Pen.

9/27/03