The challenge of interpretation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To convey the relevance of an old story<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That simply may no longer be relevant,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Supposing that times have changed<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And conditions are vastly different<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And we ourselves have changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the cloak no longer fits<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014perhaps we no longer even wear cloaks\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then maybe we need a new thing<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014whether story or cloak or hero or villain\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That actually does fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The awkwardness of a story making it an odd fit<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Means that we have possibly progressed<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond barbarism<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the violence of old myths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That cruelty is no longer our chief characteristic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That in my journey, no one is expendable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or perhaps\u2014is this hard to accept?\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cloak fits but for a few minor alterations,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Easily accomplished,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which require far less of us than making new garments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And if those sandals have a few more miles on them<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then why not wear them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(Challenge met.)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The challenge of interpretation: To convey the relevance of an old story That simply may no longer be relevant, Supposing that times have changed And…<\/p>\n