It feels a shame to be alive under neoliberalism

Edicts on E. Dicks- A podcast about the Apple TV+ show "Dickinson" and the poems of Emily Dickinson

Hello fellow Dickheads! Join Ben and Kyle for a discussion about shame versus guilt, what it means to be alive during times of immense upheaval and whether Emily Dickinson would make a good sitcom husband. We also discuss using the time and abilities we have available to us by way of both Emily and John Milton. And finally, Kyle delivers on his promise of a Pandora-themed limerick- so stay tuned until the very end.

It feels a shame to be Alive —
When Men so brave — are dead —
One envies the Distinguished Dust —
Permitted — such a Head —
The Stone — that tells defending Whom
This Spartan put away
What little of Him we — possessed
In Pawn for Liberty —
The price is great — Sublimely paid —
Do we deserve — a Thing —
That lives — like Dollars — must be piled
Before we may obtain?
Are we that wait — sufficient worth —
That such Enormous Pearl
As life — dissolved be — for Us —
In Battle's — horrid Bowl?
It may be — a Renown to live —
I think the Men who die —
Those unsustained — Saviors —
Present Divinity —

John Milton's Sonnet 19

When I consider how my light is spent,
Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my Soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest he returning chide;
“Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”
I fondly ask. But patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed
And post o’er Land and Ocean without rest:
They also serve who only stand and wait.”

There was a Greek lass named Pandora
Who ripped the lid off her amphora.
All hell tumbled out,
The world had a huge rout,
But we still hold on to hope for 'er.