Rational Man?

Written
1997

 Moth, what know you of the flame?

You circle in your admiration and

       your fascination and

       its attraction are clear.

The blue light is yours but

        claim it and die.

Do you know that?

And if you do,

     what then?

Lemming, what know you of the sea?

You sprint to it

     as a long awaited lover.

The waves sing to you

      a siren's song but

      it is a call heard

      by none but you.

A promise of a watery grave

      does not deter you.

Do you know what awaits you?

And if you do,

      what then? 

Mr. Black Widow,

      what know you of your wife?

     You preen and posture

      as if before a mirror and

       your affection is clear

       and strong.

That dazzling beauty

      waits for you but

      you are to be a meal

      in the afterglow.

Have you not heard rumors

      of this?

And if you have,

     what then? 

Man, there is danger

    in what you do.

Nature's destruction path

      comes this way.

The view is great,

      the land rich but

      fire will burn

      and water will flood.

Your home will surely

      be lost.

Has history taught

    you nothing?

Because clearly you knew and

      built there still!

Notes
Every time there is a hurricane or a major fire I wonder how rational people could continue to build in nature's destructive path. The spider,fire fly or lemming is not rational. Why expect it from man? One of the great human ohpes: Rational Man.