THOSE WHOM THE GODS
by John T. Baker
Those whom the gods would captivate
They offer dreams of gold,
A goodly share of riches rare
And pleasures manifold.

Those whom the gods would castigate
They proffer fickle fame,
That slippery slope where mortals grope
For cursory acclaim.

Those whom the gods would compensate
They grant the boon of verse,
The ecstasy of poetry
To quell the devil's curse.