Et In Arcadia Ego

Even in Arcady death and decay.
Three shepherds are confronted by a tomb.
Athena steadies one man there you’d say.

The man she steadies gazes up her way
And bridles at this sarcophagus room.
Even in Arcady death and decay.

The shepherd next to him has kneeled to pray.
Athena and the third one standing loom.
Athena steadies one man there you’d say.

What’s this impervious to light of day?
This stone, unlike a horse, eschews a groom.
Even in Arcady death and decay.

The corpse inside lies untouched by sun’s ray
Or will it just be bare bones lying there soon?
Athena steadies one man there you’d say.

The tranquil scene’s unmarred by donkey’s bray
And in the sky no witch rides on a broom.
Even in Arcady death and decay.
Athena steadies one man there you’d say.

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Editor’s note: See our description of the Villanelle.