J. V. CUNNINGHAM

[5]

Here lies New Critic who would fox us

With his poetic paradoxes:

Though he lies rigid and quiet,

If he could speak he would deny it.

[12]

The Elders at their services begin

With paper offerings. They release from sin

The catechumens on the couches lying

In visions, testimonies, prophesying:

Not, "Are you saved" they ask, but in informal
Insistent query, "Brother, are you normal?"

                    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[5]

Aqui jaz o Novo Crítico que ludibriaria

Com os paradoxos poéticos.

Embora aqui repouse rígido e silencioso,

Se pudesse falar iria negá-lo.

[12]

Os Anciãos nos seus ritos começam

Com oferendas de papel. Libertam de pecado

Os catecúmenos reclinados nos sofás

Em visões, testemunhos, profetizando:

Não, "Estarás salvo?", perguntam, mas em informal,

Inquérito insistente, "Irmão, serás normal?"