On a spinning shooter marble, life 
dances round the sun, forging com-
binations before its time is done,

letting humans sample beauty, share
our daily bread, surround ourselves with
families, and to best selves appeal,

but often we fall short, seeing absent 
threats in strangers, embracing selfish
instincts, ignoring commonweal. 

If earth a thing to plunder, the strongest
make out well, but other humans suffer,
to a meager life compelled. 

And we are not alone. A web of life
supports us, but when we neglect
its needs, we leave it tattered.

In the midst of ignorance and misery,
the foolishness of thoughtless acts, 
the instinct might be Run!, but where?

Retreat within a carapace, pray 
for intervention, bring an end to mortal
struggles, ride a dream to hope?

Or see that life has built-in grit, that
resurgence weathers winter, that nature
keeps its babies close?

Might we opt for understanding
of this precious spinning orb, before
the time that’s set aside is spent?

Might we steward space we occupy 
while all of us pitch in, and jointly probe
the edges where infinity begins?

Can we do that?