Lucifer's Moon

When Antares blows, the world will die-

All creatures great and small stuck

With poison darts flung

As its horizon collapses on itself.

And maybe it is done nine hundred

Years ago and we will not awake,

Not birds, coral or paramecia-

Just a few cells left to start again.

The power that we have is not in tasks

But rests in our relationships

Even with you black and white friend

When the vet confirmed the bloat

And we had to make you sleep;

Nothing to do for an old dog's

Twisted gut.

Driving home I hold my wife's hand

And watch your moon

Half black, half white,

Turn into the red shield

Of Mars against Antares' darts.