A Riff on Abstraction

By Richard Katrovas

Featured in New Lyre Spring 2021

A Riff on Abstraction 

Evil is the systematic substitution of the abstract for the concrete. 
          —Sartre 

As in “concrete” as well as “abstract,” and though 
I cannot help but wonder if a system, 
constructed for the purpose of control, 
contrasting with all systems found in nature,  
is doomed to doom all that it must contain. 

And how may we regard the paradox 
Of systems grounded in desire for freedom? 
The civilizing impulse is control 
Of all that is sustaining and fecund. 

Each child of mine I’ve held, fresh from the flesh 
Of her mother, has been a joy incarnate, 
The word made flesh to my decaying flesh, 
An object of intense, sustained regard 

Beyond the auspices of abstract nouns.  
I wish each one freedom from her father. 
As all dances are systems of movement, 
I wish each one ecstatic movement through 

The backstage doors of “pain” and “fear” and “sorrow,” 
Onto the boards before an audience  
Of angels, demons, and divine accountants 
All weeping at the e…