George Franklin Proctor, "Gods" (1927)
By George Franklin Proctor
Better no Gods at all
Than mere magicians
Who stoop to conjurors' tricks and schemes
Or better none.
Than those that are born of pain and fear
And but exist in anguish's dreams
Yes, better none– by far
Then those who can but rule
While man remains a child,
Dishonest or a fool.
Again better none.
Than that master of creation
Who supports war, tyranny, and ambition
By manipulation
Give us a God or Gods-no matter.
Who rules in every situation
Omnipotent and dignified in every season
And better than ever
When man begins to reason.
Published in The Messenger, January 1927