A Christmas Doxology

Glory to (the Idol) in the highest,
and on earth (fire) and (iron)
and (choking gas) to the sons of men.
Open my lips, O (Science), that my mouth may utter your praise.
Glory to you, O (Wheel), glory to you;
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

(Electricity) was made flesh and dwelt among us,
and it gave light to the eyes and darkness to consciences,
and walled up in our humanity the animality that assails it.
Oil, and coal, and electricity — three hypostases in one god:
for those who believe in him, the kingdom of riches,
and blessed be the Fire for whoever doubts him.
To us, O shells — come, annihilate us,
for how sweet are the deaths when they dance...

The Magi have become butting he-goats, and the shepherds slaughtering wolves,
and toward death the witless flock goes trotting;
it does not see the dagger laughing, nor does it see the thirsting blade.

Struggle, struggle on, O trampled (Peace);
rejoice in kissing shoe-soles forever;
recite the act of prostration as long as you live;
open your arms in heat and in cold,
and you shall win the purple reward...

Homage, O whale of Jonah,
and marvel, O roc of Satan:
seize the necks with fingers of fire,
hawk your peppered peace,
season the dried meats with cumin and allspice,
and rejoice in those born for the slaughterhouse.

O you who keep vigil in the lands of the Lord of Peace,
is it not time you left off the prayers of the narcotic,
is it not time you abandoned the doxologies of the poppy?
And when will you say, in truth:
Wail-eluia,
Lead-eleison!