THE WORLD IS EVERYTHING THAT IS THE CASE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Ludwig Wittgenstein Embodying the liar's paradox, Why did he have to reinvent the wheel? Unable, he said, to lie or cheat or steal, Or understand it when a lion talks, How to construe a language game that mocks Significance, too scrupulous to feel That others are indubitably real, Puzzled the solitary chatterbox. Ultimate mystery, another's pain Even the saint that caused it might refuse To recognize, like a strange native place. What does it profit anyone to gain His own imaginary soul, and lose Forever everything that is the case? ---- Daryl Hine