(ode in three short chapters, to Shakespeare, Morrison, Darwin, Agelou, and many others besides)
When the cruel will conspires to kill a species
What then are we to do?
Who are WE to stop it in its tracks with a single sigh of hope?
I close my eyes and see you in your full glory
your willful stride
your silent pride
and I cry
I weep for our days so far gone
for our creatures & our songs
for ourselves also
I weep
long bitter tears of pity & of grief
How I love your face
let me count the ways
Your kind eyes and contented smile
How did I manage to live so long in this world without you?
What God wills must be so
& the meek shall inherit the earth
