The Shattering of Worlds

The distant roar of a wayward jet

scuttles ants into their bunkers of soil.

As khaki men duck in ditches,

from a ditch do ducks peek

beyond their comprehensions.

Preening, the apes ignore that

which concerns them not;

and captive cats from Stockholm,

learning to love the toys of humanity,

welcome another show of presence.

Only the lone donkey is counting.

Four minutes eked out unnoticed.

Then man said, "Let there be light!"

And there was light,

so much light,

pinning cells in its radiance

and all is like glass.

Shades the chameleon

dare not replicate.

Trees that vanish in the barbeque.

Pigs roasted by the side of the road;

fresh, steaming crackling

slightly gone off.

Shrieking birds fall from the sky,

flapping balls of flame.

Worms return to dust

and the planet rumbles in discontent.

Downwind,

lifeless squirrels, chimpanzees, tigers,

wolves, cows, tarantulas,

and humans

lie together,

experiencing harmony

as a first.

Upon the scene a pony staggers,

pushing its nose through wilting grass,

dragging the stump of a leg

it never knew.