Past Wish

[deckardcanine]

I used to wish that we could have a “window on the past”
To let us solve the mysteries of history at last.
I’m speaking of a time machine that doesn’t let us change
Events already over with. It also can’t arrange
A preview of the future, whether mutable or not.
There wouldn’t be a paradox, just lessons to be taught.
(In case you’re having trouble understanding what I mean,
Compare A Christmas Carol when they walk the past unseen.)
But then I thought it over, and an issue crossed my mind:
Technology that’s widely used can hardly be confined
To proper use, and certain folk would like to go and see
A lot of things that don’t get shown on regular TV
Because they’re hardly tasteful. For example, one might watch
Real violence more heinous than a football to the crotch.
It isn’t kind to ancients to reduce their woes to fun.
(Some movies do, but they don’t show true deaths of anyone.)
What’s more, one might not ogle just significant events.
A random person naked in a home has no defense
Against the peeping eyes of any number of voyeurs
Who use the window later. Only absence can ensure
The window’s lack of wrongful use by any future pervs.
I’m finished with this fantasy; it’s gotten on my nerves.