earth note 500

the storms are coming
and the only question is
when is it time
to lie fully prone
in a ditch
holding on to those teenage memories
scattered phrases
between bird songs
and what the experts say
when it's a couple minutes
to midnight

there might still be time

to pull weeds
keep up with the recycling
take a last cold shower
before heading
into the forest
standing somewhat erect
like our ancestors
expect from us

--- e b bortz