Eumolpus
Eumolpus
Apr 17, 2019

The Apology

Socrates, the man, was old, his voice frail,
Though his wit was sharp as steel;
Battle scarred from three campaigns
Using the short sword,
A poor husband it was said.
He owned at least three slaves
And known to have walked with a limp.

He struck at the imperial chambers
By declaring himself a fool,
And everyone else too.
Convicted by his fellows
To either die, or go away
Far into the desert of exile,
He chose to challenge the gods
To see what was behind the oracle.

The world spins many times faster now,
But knowledge is cheap and filled with lies.
His progeny still tell us we are fools
And are ignored or desperately despised.

Socrates remains more myth than man,
His psyche in Acheron, outside of time,
Waiting to dive in the tantric stage
Reborn to the circle of the wise.

About This Poem

Last Few Words: Socrates was both a real person and a living legend, a myth. Based on Plato's Apology (in the Republic) in which Socrates defends himself against his accusers. This is considered historical fact. His main argument is he's only wise because he knows he's a fool, as opposed to everyone else who think they know something. And in truth that aspect of philosophy hasn't changed much, from Spinoza to Post-Existentialism, the underlying theme is we are truly idiots- just look at how the world works, and the endless stupidity of history. The end refers to the Platonic idea of death that the psyche (soul) , after some absolution crosses the river to Acheron (Hades) in a kind of limbo until it is called by the great force to inherit the life created by the sexual act of whatever it grabs onto...some will become geese, or wildebeests, or whatever, and some will be united with a higher calling and enter paradise. That is why I used the words Tantric stage. "Rings" refers to the different levels of paradise in the Divine Comedy by Dante, which borrows heavily from this treatise.

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Country/Region: Washington DC

Favorite Poets: D.Thomas

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Comments

Geezer

many years since I have read any Greek or Roman history, but I do remember Socrates. He chose to drink Hemlock rather than admit that he was wrong and refused to recant. I have some minimal knowledge of the most famous and infamous writers of those ages. Fascinating reading! Thanks for the explanation of the Rings in reference to "The Devine Comedy". It does help to put the mention in perspective. I certainly would like to have had a comedic dialogue with Socrates! Nice work for those that have an interest in ancient philosophy. ~ Geezer.
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A

Interesting and brilliantly composed. Ancient wisdom meets modern technology in the corridors of time. The Myth and the Man becomes the voice of sages throughout the ages. Your work is captivating. Thank you, Allseasonsverse