Sonnets Summary

In "A Primer for Today," a biologist says change occurs through environment and reproduction in the animal and plant kingdom. A geologist says change occurs through the earth's changes. A economist says change occurs in man through periods of wealth and poverty. The historian says he wants to know when these changes are too fast or too slow.

In "The Gallows," a teacher from long ago teaches his students about alchemy. He is a positive influence on his students, creating joy and freedom. But in the end, the townspeople hang him.

In "The Blindness of Scorn," a Malay or a racially mixed person of the Malay Peninsula guide meets up with Sahib, the white man, in the jungle. Dressed in a loincloth, the guide cries out for Sahib and then curses at him. He shoves the white man and a python falls. The...