Thomas Hardy vs Christianity, via Joseph Brodsky

So, I have memorised that Phil Larkin poem “This be the verse.“

Next up, this little beauty by Tom Hardy.

” Peace upon earth!” was said. We sing it,
And pay a million priests to bring it.
After two thousand years of mass
We’ve got as far as poison-gas.

Hat tip to the late great Joe Brodsky, whose collection of essays “On Grief and Reason” I strongly recommend (esp the Speech at the Stadium).

Of course, this was 101 years ago. Here’s my attempt at a sequel…

“Progress” continued – we got some nukes

Continued life is down to flukes

And now the climate bites our ass

Having kids? I’ll take a pass.