D’Annunzio

Titan of earth and air,
Of Dante and Hugo the heir,
Stamped with an almighty Dare—
The gods of Valhalla salute thee!

Superman, demi-god, singer,
Gabrile, called the Light-bringer,
Anointed by Dionysiac finger—
Napoleon and Nelson salute thee!

Triumph of Force and Life,
Red Rose of Vision and Strife,
Spurning the reed and the fife—
The trumpets of Asgard salute thee!

Shoulder him up the stars
To the realm of the Avatars,
First-born of Venus and Mars!
The dead of the Marne salute thee!

—
From IMP: The Poetry of Benjamin DeCasseres.

“A catchword—Socialism, Progress, Democracy—has saved many a man from the gutter. A “sublime enthusiasm” differs in no respect from the exaltations of opium and alcohol, though the dreamer is infinitely more dangerous and asinine than the dipsomaniac and drug fiend. The drunkard enslaves himself only; the dogmatic enthusiasts always end by enslav­ing others. There is no maniac comparable to an active idealist.” – B.DeC

The Pacifist’s Breviary

If a fire breaks out in your house speak to it gently.
The universe is a product of non-resisting forces.
Time enough to learn to swim when the boat is going down.
If caught in a border raid, pray.
In case of war notify the police.
He who chautauquas and runs away may live to chautalk another day.
All danger, national and individual, is psychological.
When in doubt do as the Chinaman does—surrender.
Human rights are conserved by preaching sweetness and light.
Hang your latch-key on the outer wall, and the cry “Touch me not!”
Force is negative; docility, positive.
In time of peace prepare for more peace.
When an enemy advances toward you seeking your fling at his head a volume of the Commoner.

—
From IMP: The Poetry of Benjamin DeCasseres.