Everyone laughed at Col. PrichardFor buying an engine so powerfulThat it wrecked itself, and wrecked the grinderHe ran it with.But here is a joke of cosmic size:The urge of nature that made a manEvolve from his brain a spiritual life—Oh miracle of the world!—The very same brain with which the ape and wolfGet food and shelter and procreate themselves.Nature has made man do this,In a world where she gives him nothing to doAfter all—(though the strength of his soul goes roundIn a futile waste of power.To gear itself to the mills of the gods)—But get food and shelter and procreate himself!
Spoon River Anthology · Edgar Lee Masters