Gods We Are Not
The Return from War: Mars Disarmed by Venus
Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577 - 1640)
and Jan Brueghel the Elder (Flemish, 1568 - 1625)
Music pairing: Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58: II. Andante con moto
Gods we are not -
Bodies turn cold and blood runs hot;
We return home with missing pieces,
Silver-haired enquires after our soul for naught.
Glory owns red -
Demands sacrifices more than an enemy’s head.
What makes human out on the field,
Parched land and tattered armor tread.
“For honor! For glory! For women and wealth!”
Eyes damp by smoke as the forge melts;
That distant voice signals to protect with all,
But has he even given himself?
Speak not of the clandestine war -
They seek un-god from oaths sworn.
Where riches run last on virtue,
Their merriment and blessings lukewarm.
Until love as whole as the world’s shelter,
Death will continue to divide and conquer.
He forces his audience to will, to bend,
Fate lies in hands that wield power.