How Many Words? Poem by Elia Michael

What happens when I run out
Of ideas or of words?
I will stamp my feet and shout
And scare away all the birds!

How many words do exist
In this language that we use?
I searched and it does consist
Of a million, that’s good news!

I think I’m safe for a while
There are more than enough words
I can choose from to compile
Some poems – you are safe, birds!

More likely I’ll be bereft
Of ideas in my brain
Then there will be nothing left
And I will become insane