Daily I’m reminded
Things aren’t going well
For my species.

But this morning it hit me hard
As I raced, strapped firmly in,
Down miles of crowded freeway
In my sealed, air-conditioned,
Cushioned automobile
Through yellow-brown haze
To yet another day
In my air-conditioned, sealed,
Windowless office,
Staring at my computer screen,
And taking a few minutes
To write this poem.

Species approach, and reach,
Extinction all the time.
We try to not mimic them; but,
Remember the passenger pigeon?
Our vast numbers alone
Guarantee nothing.

Click on author's byline for bio.