Signaling In Darkness Poem by Patti Masterman

The universe is full of smoke rings;
Ceaseless signals, signaling in darkness,
Where we had to grow here, inside its fecund heart
Growing first in dark, secret grottoes.

In ancient oceans and primeval meadows,
Sewn like milkweed and stinging nettle,
Heir apparent of the sole surviving,
Sleight of hand and feint of heart.

Playing time backward, to see our causes,
Feeling held back now, like gated cattle,
Straining at our paddocks of earth,
Yearning for something past our birth.

Smoke rings go up, never to return;
While complacency singe- but never burn.