Ode Against a Grecian Urn

If all you need to ask, "Is beauty truth?" It isn't much you need to know on earth. It's less than what appraisers say it's worth, This jar with frieze depicting frozen youth. Curators and collectors both agree If forged or stolen, sold dishonestly Museum art debased on pedestals Makes hiding art seem safely tenable. It may be better beauty be destroyed. A little worshiper of idols still Resides inside and ever, always will Until we're much less worldly employed. While thirsty an ascetic often thinks Urns beautiful when everybody drinks. (8/29/22)