A Prayer of Aristotle
“Anyone who wonders whether we ought to
honour the gods needs a whipping.” ―Aristotle
Our twelve great gods I serve with veneration,
Pay tribute as accustomed rites suggest,
And sing glad paeans pleasing in effect.
But reverent reason finds unification
Of countless godly spirits coalesced
To be true piety for minds elect.
Philosophy performs investigation
In love of wisdom with religious zest
Of One unmixed, unmeasured, and unchecked.
My God, I honour you by imitation
As far as possible. Your acts are best.
Mimesis cultivates the intellect.
My mind, the best of me, shapes an oblation
Of thought, like temple gifts more manifest,
Displaying deep devotion and respect.
You are Thought Thinking Thought. My admiration
I give to what you actively attest;
The cosmos is the window I select.
O limitless beginning of creation
And endless Theoria self-possessed,
My self in praise of you I would perfect.
My talents I employ in contemplation
And writing on our ancient palimpsest
Of knowledge from one greatest Architect.
Let me advance with real appreciation
Of unity in nature holiest,
Where goodness, truth, and beauty intersect.
My unmoved mover, act as motivation
To draw me, metaphysically caressed,
Toward you, while all I’ve known I recollect.
Let wonder help me reach sanctification,
O thinking God whose worth is steadiest.
My ways direct; my honesty protect.
Hear this my just and dutiful oration;
Prosper my home and friends as I request;
Make me a better man, more circumspect.
Margaret Coats lives in California. She holds a Ph.D. in English and American Literature and Language from Harvard University. She has retired from a career of teaching literature, languages, and writing that included considerable work in homeschooling for her own family and others.
