I see a flaming firmament descend

An arms-length from the earth;

I see a world in shards and cinders,

As it might have been at birth.

 

I see the oceans rise to the skies,

And fall back in continents of rage,

Cooling to ashes body parts

That ruled for many an age.

 

I see coronal vermin crawl

Among universal debris;

Besides a doughty cockroach

Nothing remains of our galaxy.

 

I hear the roll of a thunder new

That bespeaks an intent

To spawn birds and beasts alone,

With Nature consistent.

 

I see Adam turn a chimpanzee,

And Eve a nightingale,

Never to resume a human shape,

Never to lose a tail.

 

I see Darwin as a butterfly,

Content to flap its wings,

Never to look for an evolution

Beyond natural things.

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