The Word


In evolution,
the ability to find and use energy
to survive and reproduce
at least as well as surrounding species
must have been selected for.
Given enough time,
this competition, direct and indirect,
will produce intelligent forms
with enormous energy appetites.
Free energy in the environment
will be discovered and exploited,
even that hiding
in the heart of matter itself.

It follows that such forms face,
in the very nature of things,
a dual imperative:
(1) get along with one another, and
(2) get along with one's planet.
These are necessary (but not sufficient)
conditions for survival;
the alternative is extinction.

By the time a species
is intelligent enough to notice
and measure what it is doing to its planet,
may it not already have done much?
Too much?

In the beginning was the Word.
And the Word was with God.
And the Word was God.
(John 1: 1-3)



Poetry by Rob Graber
Read 739 times
Written on 2014-04-05 at 21:00

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Lawrence Beck The PoetBay support member heart!
The planet will persist, whether or not there are humans on it. Nicely written, Rob.
2014-04-06



I guess we've failed in both of those imperatives. Hopefully, it's not too late to find another word. Perhaps 'Help!'

Very smart poem. Enjoyed it.
2014-04-06



Brilliant and thoughtfully written poem that should be taken as a warning that life is a continuum where each and every organism has an important role in the survival of the only planet in the Universe where our species is able to survive. Please let's treat it with care! Thanks Rob.
2014-04-05