Everyday Life in the Dutch Republic

Tom Disch

Since he was in that part of the alphabet anyway
The crotchety philosopher decided he would play
A game of bowls with his old friend Hobbema

And started off along the avenue of poplars
In the direction of Infinity, an idea
They were both very fond of, though they defined

It in different ways: for Meindert it was this
Rutted road to Middleharnis; Thomas would have it
We all live in a universe of tenpins

Where short, nasty brutes decapitate
The heads of kings as happily as they might blow the suds
Off a stein of ale in the tavern just up the road,

Where to this day a sepia reproduction of the painting
Hangs above the fire. It was painted in 1669;
Hobbes died a decade later. Ars longa, vita brevis.