The Philosophers’ Meal – A Poem

Continuing my ekphrastic poetry series.

The Enlightenment

At the Thursday night dinner of philosophers,
it was Voltaire, Innkeeper of Europe,
(self-dubbed)
who raised his hand
to quiet the debate between
le père Adam, Laharpe,
l’abbé Maurice, Condorcet
Diderot and d’Alembert
regarding the nature of truth and tolerance;
separation of church and state;
how man’s happiness equates
to progress in science and arts;
and how reason should trump
religious and political dictates …
to ask for seconds.

©elsp2025