Paleogene Sleep

I wish I had stood where the heavens gave
their burning testament above the wave,
and watched the forests kneel beneath the fire
while every hill consumed its own desire,
my shadow entering the common grave.

I would have welcomed stone made bright with speed,
the oceans closing over root and reed.
The burden of the living mind would fade
among the ash the ruined daylight made,
where every pulse surrendered need by need.

I grieve that I awoke too late to fall
beneath that ancient cataclysmic call.
I linger where the lesser endings start,
still wearing this exhausted animal heart
instead of sleeping with the first of all.