DREAMING DUST

To James Thomson(1834-1882)

Dreaming, misguided dust

given shape of an ape -

that is you, human being,

slouching half-blind from

the warmth of the womb

to the colder rest of the tomb.

Aeons live in you, visions

of eternity spring in your mind,

you feel set for the infinite

- yet your days are brief,

your travel done quick;

so soon you find the chill of the grave.

Between the first shocked cry

and the last desperate, gasping breath,

dreams you hold briefly flare and die

in the knowledge of your fate.

Dreaming, misguided dust

you return to the birthing night.

14.09.2019