GETTING SERIOUS

Coyotes are gathering acorns to plant in the forest. One day there will be enough. Even now, the ancient acorn-eating peoples curled in their river-gravel mounds are arising and tuning their drums.

Red squirrels are growing opposable thumbs and tails like monkeys. Soon they will be able to open any door; they will wield paintbrushes and spoons. Soon they will be able to sing.

Bears awaken early, craving beef and beer. Elephants are learning to dig tunnels. Dark Matter is gathering, incomprehensible, into a god of infinite dimension. All the stars are opening their pointed mouths.

Is this so strange? Once there was a spirit in every tree. Once all the animals could speak. And you, stubby primate, secure in illusions of grace,

is there anything you really understand? Your brain extends through the soles of your feet and beyond the thickness of your skull. It mingles with the shards scattering into cosmic curves.

It’s time to get serious: Take for example, this universe– moving faster, heaven knows why. Evolution goes on, outside your blindfold. And take consciousness, that old homunculus, that ancient soul that no one’s ever found.