Yes, Now

I run half a mile more. Sometimes I feel I can run forever.

Then I realize I already have, and do, through the mountains, between the stars.

I turn a few more pages, tho’ I’ve read all the books, and have been all the characters.

And I write a few more words, in this, my present language,

Tho’ I’ve already written them all, and said them all, and you’ve read them all and said them too.

Yet here they are, and here we are, and here’s everything just as it’s always and never been.

I stretch out on the floor for a nap, not knowing if I will wake —

Just like you. I am you. I’m you, whether or not you know it, or even care.

Eight billion humans — we’re an invasive species. Still, go ahead, step on a few ants.

A shower from space can kill us all, and turn us into dinosaurs.

But first — yes, now — why not see what love can do?

[ 2067 ]

William Michaelian