Semele demanded to see revealed
the glory of Zeus in radiant field;
though immolated she nonetheless
learned the cosmic secret concealed
in that microsecond of apocalypse.
Son Dionysus found slight peace
as god of revelry in alcoholic bliss;
edge of destruction beclouded lulled
by fruit of inebriety to avoid the abyss;
profound perceptive grasp must be dulled.
