If all the words expressing all the thoughts
contained in all the libraries of the world
came pouring like noisy bangers out of bars into city streets
shouting three cheers for thoughtful reflection,
how much good would this riot of intelligence do?
How much good has intelligence done
since Athens, since Alexandria, since the Vatican,
since the Library of Congress?
How many heads have libraries
kept from being bruised,
bodies broken,
windows smashed,
doors kicked in,
people persecuted?
How many have checked out
a manual of affections?