Torn Veils

POEM IV

"Moonlit Lake with a Ruined Gothic Church" by Sebastian Pether (1790-1844)

"Remove all barriers!
Destroy what is pure!
We'll all be happier
when nothing is obscure!"

Faces covered 
now exposed and bare.
Temples desecrated,
no place for prayer.

Doors to the sacred flung open,
words carelessly spoken;
When nothing is hidden
all things are permitted.

Smashed reliquaries
and broken glass;
no more mysteries,
not even at mass.

Everything is shown
but nothing is known;
everything is near
but nothing is dear.

Sins once severe
now flaunted; the
myths've disappeared and
the imagination's exhausted.

Hatred of light
and love of darkness;
beauty's put to the knife,
giving way to the monstrous.

"Tear down the statues!
make everyone equal!
To hell with your values!
Our pride's not evil!"

Night reigns and
Satan prevails;
all's the same after
tearing down the veils.