On the death of Aaron Swartz and the death-throes of the mainstream media

There must be some Minoan tale, so old
As to sidestep any disagreement,
A tale of hubris punished, like that bold
Samson. But to guard the polis who’s sent

Against the Anatolians, to fight
Their power, when his massive strength is spent?
As if Achilles were slaughtered at night
By the surveyor guildmen, fairly bent

On building a temple whose weathervane
Must be in the shape of a poor spatchcock
After he said that that would be profane.
Iconoclasts have always sought to shock.

The horses have bolted out of the gate.
Saving the media - is it too late?

First draft written 21 January 2013