In preliterate times, poetry was considered the pinnacle of verbal communication, so much so that both blessings and curses were couched in poetic form. Stories, too, were quoted in rhyme, allowing the raconteur the ability to remember the tale while entertaining his hearers with finely formulated turns of phrase. The reading and study of poetry may have fallen out of fashion, but is still deemed important, because what pop song on the radio, as insipid as it may be, does not use rhyme and meter to convey its message? Poetry will be with us until the Last Day-and maybe even beyond. ANTIDOTE Poems for the end of time.