T.S. Eliot (1888–1965). Poems. 1920.
8. The Hippopotamus
T
Rests on his belly in the mud;
Although he seems so firm to us
He is merely flesh and blood.
Susceptible to nervous shock;
While the True Church can never fail
For it is based upon a rock.
In compassing material ends,
While the True Church need never stir
To gather in its dividends.
The mango on the mango-tree;
But fruits of pomegranate and peach
Refresh the Church from over sea.
Betrays inflexions hoarse and odd,
But every week we hear rejoice
The Church, at being one with God.
Is passed in sleep; at night he hunts;
God works in a mysterious way—
The Church can sleep and feed at once.
Ascending from the damp savannas,
And quiring angels round him sing
The praise of God, in loud hosannas.
And him shall heavenly arms enfold,
Among the saints he shall be seen
Performing on a harp of gold.
By all the martyr’d virgins kist,
While the True Church remains below
Wrapt in the old miasmal mist.