I would hate
for it to be
tonight, tonight
when I am fussy
and obstinate, I would hate
for it to be the end
of the world
tonight. Thus far
the suggestion
of a potentially imminent
massive earthquake
or crashing meteor
or flood due to the
last scrap of
the ice cap melting
is not sufficient
to make me smile
just for the sake
of ending it nice.
I’m not saying
I didn’t notice
the sunset
tonight, all
pink and deep
purple and
leaking spectral light.
I’m just saying
I’m fussy. And
the world will
end. And thorny
as I am, I am hoping
it isn’t tonight.