Prelude to Space

An Epithaliamium

     So Man, grown vigorous now,
     Holds himself ripe to breed,
     Daily devises how
     To ejaculate his seed
     And boldly fertilize
The black womb of the unconsenting skies.

     Some now alive expect
     (I am told) to see the large,
     Steel member grow erect,
     Turgid with the fierce charge
     Of our whole planet's skill,
Courage, wealth, knowledge, concentrated will,

     Straining with lust to stamp
     Our likeness on the abyss-
     Bombs, gallows, Belsen camp,
     Pox, polio, Thais' kiss
     Or Judas, Moloch's fires
And Torquemada's (sons resemble sires).

     Shall we, when the grim shape
     Roars upward, dance and sing?
     Yes: if we honour rape,
     If we take pride to Ring
     So bountifully on space
The sperm of our long woes, our large disgrace.