The End of History II

clear no land only

take shelter under leaning branches

from the cold seek the warmth of the porous earth
use and preserve the embers of your horn

eat of the plants and fungi

and if you must the animals that will submit

wear their skins and bones to honor them

listen

stay away from the ruins of your ancestors’ hands

envy not the towers of skeletal steel that remain

stay out of the star scorched cities

where even now ash rains down on sightless eyes

teach the young to recognize signs and signifiers

show them the understanding of past ages

for even the terror of the past is worth knowing

teach them that questions are conduits

be open to their asking

be humble and honest in your ignorance

and seek to know

remember this now will wither and pass

see the sun setting on the glut of the old ways

light your fire for warmth and to cook yes

but also as a beacon for tomorrow